Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel, sold under the brand name Plavix among others, is an antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in those at high risk.^[9] It is also used together with aspirin in heart attacks and following the placement of a coronary artery stent (dual antiplatelet therapy).^[9] It is taken by mouth.^[9] Its effect starts about two hours after intake and lasts for five days.^[9]

Common side effects include headache, nausea, easy bruising, itching, and heartburn.^[9] More severe side effects include bleeding and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.^[9] While there is no evidence of harm from use during pregnancy, such use has not been well studied.^[3] Clopidogrel is in the thienopyridine-class of antiplatelets.^[9] It works by irreversibly inhibiting a receptor called P2Y₁₂ on platelets.^[9]

Clopidogrel was patented in 1982, and approved for medical use in 1997.^[5][10] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.^[11] In 2022, it was the 47th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 13 million prescriptions.^[12][13] It is available as a generic medication.^[9]