Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots.

Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take clopidogrel, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clopidogrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor.

Clopidogrel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

excessive tiredness
headache
dizziness
upset stomach
stomach pain
diarrhea
constipation
nosebleed
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
black and tarry stools
red blood in stools
bloody vomit
vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
unusual bleeding or bruising
fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
slow or difficult speech
weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
vision loss
Clopidogrel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This medicine is an antiplatelet agent used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients with atherosclerosis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Clopidogrel is also sometimes used to prevent blood clots in patients with mitral valve disease and patients undergoing certain heart procedures. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. If you are currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor promptly and ask if you should continue or stop taking aspirin with this medication for your specific condition. If you are not currently taking aspirin, consult your doctor before starting aspirin for any medical condition. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products while taking clopidogrel. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU BECOME ILL, including a fever, contact your doctor. AVOID ANY SPORTS that expose you to risk of serious injury. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.