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medication

Clopidogrel

Also known as: Plavix

Chemical structure of Clopidogrel (PubChem CID 60606)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
6 h
Typical timing
morning
Food rule
either
Default unit
mg

Overview

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that helps prevent blood clots. It is commonly marketed under the brand name Plavix. It belongs to a class of drugs called thienopyridines, which work by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Platelets are small blood cells that play a crucial role in forming blood clots. By reducing the ability of platelets to clump together, clopidogrel helps keep blood flowing smoothly through the arteries. Clopidogrel is primarily prescribed to individuals who have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. It is often used in combination with aspirin, particularly after certain procedures like stent placement, to maximize its clot-preventing effects. The half-life of clopidogrel is approximately 6 hours, meaning it takes about 6 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. It is typically taken once daily, usually in the morning, and can be taken with or without food. Clopidogrel is a prescription-only medication and its use requires careful medical supervision.

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

  • Category rule: vitamin × medication
    Note

    Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additive antiplatelet/antithrombotic effect increases bleeding risk.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician; monitor for bruising, prolonged bleeding, and dose adjustments.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Vitamin K reverses vitamin K antagonist activity and shifts INR.

    Keep vitamin K intake consistent; do not start or stop supplementation without INR monitoring.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Vitamin K2 can shift INR on warfarin.

    Discuss with prescribing clinician before adding K2.

Frequently asked

Sources referenced

["* Cochrane", "* DrugBank", "* EMA SmPC (European Medicines Agency Summary of Product Characteristics)", "* FDA label (U.S. Food and Drug Administration label)", "* Mayo Clinic", "* MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)", "* NIH ODS (National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, for references citing specific studies/trials)", "* PubChem"]

Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

Related compounds

Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.

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