How do you take Clopidogrel (Clopidogrel Bisulfate)?

Take one 75 mg tablet once a day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Try to take it at the same time every day so you don't forget. Your doctor may give you a higher first dose of 300 mg (four tablets) as a loading dose, especially after a heart event or stent procedure — only do this if your doctor tells you to.

What are the side effects of Clopidogrel (Clopidogrel Bisulfate)?

Bruising more easily than usual, minor bleeding such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums, stomach upset or belly pain, diarrhoea, mild headache

Who should not take Clopidogrel (Clopidogrel Bisulfate)?

People allergic to clopidogrel or any ingredient in the tablet, people with active bleeding such as stomach ulcers or bleeding in the brain, people with severe liver disease, and anyone about to have surgery should inform their doctor as clopidogrel may need to be stopped several days before the procedure.

Prescription

Antiplatelet (blood thinner)

Clopidogrel

Q: What is Clopidogrel (Clopidogrel Bisulfate) used for?

Prevention of heart attack, prevention of stroke, blood clots in blood vessels, chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart (angina), blockages after heart stent procedures

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Clopidogrel is a blood-thinning medicine that works by stopping your blood platelets from clumping together and forming dangerous clots inside your blood vessels.

What is it used for?

Prevention of heart attackprevention of strokeblood clots in blood vesselschest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart (angina)blockages after heart stent procedures

Browse by condition

Stroke & Neurological Heart Conditions Blood Clots & Anticoagulation

How it works

Irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor on platelet surfaces, preventing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in arterial and venous circulation.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Clopidogrel safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Explore this drug

What to watch out for

Always buy from a registered pharmacy — brands like Avro Clopidogrel, Ceruvin, Clopi-Denk, and Clopibest are available in Nigeria, so look for trusted names and check NAFDAC numbers. Do not stop taking this medicine on your own even if you feel fine — stopping suddenly can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Inform any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you are taking clopidogrel before any procedure, as it affects how your blood clots.

Common Side Effects

Bruising more easily than usual
minor bleeding such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
stomach upset or belly pain
diarrhoea
mild headache

Serious Side Effects

Unusual or heavy bleeding that does not stop (e.g. blood in urine
black or bloody stool
vomiting blood) — go to the hospital immediately. Signs of stroke such as sudden severe headache
confusion
trouble speaking
or weakness on one side of the body — seek emergency help at once. Severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face
lips
or difficulty breathing — this is a medical emergency.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking clopidogrel with aspirin or ibuprofen unless your doctor specifically tells you to, as combining blood thinners increases bleeding risk. Omeprazole (a common ulcer drug sold in Nigeria) can reduce how well clopidogrel works — tell your doctor if you take any ulcer medication. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding when combined with clopidogrel, so limit or avoid alcohol.

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Clopidogrel with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Clopidogrel is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to clopidogrel or any ingredient in the tablet
people with active bleeding such as stomach ulcers or bleeding in the brain
people with severe liver disease
and anyone about to have surgery should inform their doctor as clopidogrel may need to be stopped several days before the procedure.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep the tablets in their original pack and always store out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.