Clopidogrel (Plavix)

What does this medicine do?

Clopidogrel (kloh PID oh grel) stops platelets from getting sticky and clumping together to form a clot. It is used to stop strokes and used after a heart treatment to protect arteries.

How should I give clopidogrel?

Do not miss giving your child doses and give the doses at the same time each day.

Clopidogrel is available as tablets which can be swallowed whole or they can be crushed to be mixed with a small amount of food.

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed, even if your child feels fine.

Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?

Clopidogrel can be given with or without food. If it causes an upset stomach, be sure to give with food.

Talk with your doctor before giving your child aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin®, or another brand).

Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember, unless it is less than 6 hours until the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits the second dose, do not repeat it again.

If your child misses or vomits more than one dose, please call the clinic.

What are the side effects?

Occasional

• Itching and/or rash
• Bleeding problems
• Bruising
• Nosebleeds

Rare

• Throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

When should I call the clinic?

• If your child is having chest pain or pressure
• Change in your child's strength: one side is weaker than the other, trouble speaking, trouble with balance, or blurry vision
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Coughing or vomiting up blood
• Pale skin with easy bruising
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools
• Change in eyesight
•  Sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, dizziness, or headache
•  Signs of allergic reaction:
  - rash or hives
  - wheezing
  - trouble breathing - call 911

What else do I need to know?

Talk with your child's doctor before stopping clopidogrel.

Store tablets at room temperature and protect from light and water. Do not store in a bathroom.

You and your child should know the names and doses of all medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's care including your child's dentist. Please bring the medicine container when your child comes to the clinic or emergency department.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill the prescription, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left, the pharmacy will need 2 or 3 days to contact the clinic to renew the prescription.

Read the label before giving the first dose. Be sure it is what was prescribed. If the medicine looks different to you after a refill, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it.

Store all medicines in their original containers and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children's reach. Lock the medicine up if possible.

If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call your clinic or pharmacy.

Last reviewed by Children's pharmacy 8/2015 

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