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What is Clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel is an Antiplatelet medication which interferes with the coagulation process, in order to prevent blood clots.

Clopidogrel works by irreversibly inhibiting adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from binding to its platelet P2Y12 receptor. This prevents ADP-mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby impairing platelet aggregation.

Clopidogrel is mainly used to:
•   Reduce the risk of an Ischemic Stroke
•   Reduce the risk of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
•   Reduce the risk of a Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
•   Reduce the risk of death during a Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
•   Reduce the risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
•   Reduce the risk of a blood clots after major surgery
•   Reduce the risk of a blood clots following the placement of a Coronary Stent

Side Effects

The side effects of Clopidogrel may include:
•   Nausea
•   Hives
•   Itchy skin
•   Fatigue
•   Pale skin, easy bruising, purple spots under your skin or in your mouth
•   Jaundice
•   Fast heartbeats
•   Shortness of breath
•   Headache, fever, weakness
•   Little or no urination
•   Seizures
•   Sudden numbness or weakness
•   Confusion
•   Problems with vision or speech

You should contact your doctor, or nearest hospital, immediately if you are experiencing any of these side effects.

Warnings & Interactions

When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional is aware of all other medications you are currently taking to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Clopidogrel use is associated with several serious adverse drug reactions such as severe neutropenia, various forms of haemorrhages, and pulmonary oedema.

You should not use Clopidogrel if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding on the brain.

Clopidogrel should not be given to a victim of a stroke before it has been diagnosed by a medical professional. 80 percent of strokes are caused by a blood clots (Ischemic Stroke), but if the stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the head (Haemorrhagic Stroke), Clopidogrel could make the bleeding worse and increase the chance of death.

Pregnancy Warnings

Clopidogrel use is not recommended during pregnancy. It should only be used during pregnancy when there are no alternatives, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

Australian TGA pregnancy category: B1

Breastfeeding Warnings

Clopidogrel use is not recommended while breastfeeding. It should only be used while breastfeeding when there are no alternatives, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

Excreted into human milk: Unknown

Dosage Forms

Clopidogrel is available in the following dosage forms:
•   Oral Tablet

Additional Information

Before the expiry of its patent, Clopidogrel was the second best-selling medication in the world. In 2010, it grossed over US$9.4 billion in global sales.

Clopidogrel can be combined with Aspirin for use in Dual Antiplatelet Therapy.

Clopidogrel is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.