Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Clopidogrel requires a valid prescription.
Clopidogrel
Generic Name: CLOPIDOGREL BISULFATE
Clopidogrel bisulfate is a thienopyridine class inhibitor of P2Y 12 ADP platelet receptors.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
What is Clopidogrel Used For?
- Clopidogrel tablets should be administered in conjunction with aspirin.
How Does It Work?
The active metabolite of clopidogrel selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y 12 receptor and the subsequent ADP-mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Dosage & Administration
- Acute coronary syndrome – Initiate clopidogrel tablets with a single 300 mg oral loading dose and then continue at 75 mg once daily. – Initiating clopidogrel tablets without a loading dose will delay establishment of an antiplatelet effect by several days.
- Recent MI, recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease: 75 mg once daily orally without a loading dose. 2.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome In patients who need an antiplatelet effect within hours, initiate clopidogrel tablets with a single 300 mg oral loading dose and then continue at 75 mg once daily.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CYP2C19 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of omeprazole or esomeprazole. Bleeding: Clopidogrel increases risk of bleeding. Discontinuation: Premature discontinuation increases risk of cardiovascular events.
- Discontinue 5 days prior to elective surgery that has a major risk of bleeding. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has been reported. Cross-reactivity among thienopyridines has been reported. 5.1 Diminished Antiplatelet Activity in Patients with Impaired CYP2C19 Function Clopidogrel is a prodrug.
- Avoid concomitant use of clopidogrel with omeprazole or esomeprazole because both significantly reduce the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel [see Drug Interactions ] . 5.2 General Risk of Bleeding P2Y12 inhibitors (thienopyridines), including clopidogrel, increase the risk of bleeding.
- Use of drugs that induce the activity of CYP2C19 would be expected to result in increased drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and might potentiate the bleeding risk.
- Risk factors for bleeding include concomitant use of other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (e.g., anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and chronic use of NSAIDs) [see Drug Interactions (7.4 , 7.5 , 7.6 , 7.7) ] . 5.3 Discontinuation of Clopidogrel Discontinuation of clopidogrel increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
Drug Interactions
Clopidogrel may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Speak to a cardiologist on Zospital
Consult a cardiologist on Zospital before starting Clopidogrel. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Cardiovascular Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Clopidogrel – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Clopidogrel, its uses, dosage and safety.
Clopidogrel is commonly prescribed in India for: Clopidogrel tablets should be administered in conjunction with aspirin.. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.
Clopidogrel is sold in India under brand names such as Plavix, Clopilet, Clopivas, Deplatt, Clopidogrel. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Clopidogrel is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Clopidogrel can include: Diarrhea, Headache, Rash. Less common but serious side effects can include: Severe, Serious, Life-threatening, Fatal, Death. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
The active metabolite of clopidogrel selectively inhibits the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet P2Y 12 receptor and the subsequent ADP-mediated activation of the glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa complex, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Clopidogrel can interact with: Nonsteroidal, Repaglinide, Rifampin, Clinical, Coadministration, Warfarin. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Clopidogrel.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Clopidogrel for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Clopidogrel depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Clopidogrel during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹30 – ₹250 per strip of 10 tablets depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Clopidogrel's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.