- Class
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Body system
- Blood and clotting
- Brand names
- Plavix
What is Clopidogrel used for?
- Acute coronary syndrome
- After coronary stent placement (with aspirin)
- Recent stroke, myocardial infarction or peripheral artery disease
How Clopidogrel works
Irreversibly blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, preventing them from clumping.
Common side effects
- Bleeding and bruising
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Report right away
- Any unusual bleeding or black stools
- Fever, weakness and purple skin spots (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, rare)
Nursing considerations for Clopidogrel
- Usually stopped about 5 days before elective surgery, only as the prescriber directs; never stopped early after a stent without the cardiologist.
- Omeprazole and esomeprazole reduce its activation; another acid reducer is often chosen.
Patient teaching
- Do not stop taking it without talking to your cardiologist: stopping early after a stent can cause a heart attack.
- Tell dentists and other providers you take it.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antiplatelet drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Clopidogrel belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient who had a coronary stent placed 2 months ago wants to stop clopidogrel because of bruising. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer C: Do not stop it without talking to your cardiologist; stopping early can cause the stent to clot Premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy after a stent greatly raises the risk of stent thrombosis and myocardial infarction.
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Why should aspirin be avoided in a 12-year-old with influenza?
Show answer
Answer D: Risk of Reye syndrome Aspirin in children and teenagers with viral illnesses is associated with Reye syndrome, which affects the brain and liver.
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Which suffix is common to the P2Y12 inhibitors clopidogrel and prasugrel?
Show answer
Answer C: -grel Clopidogrel and prasugrel end in -grel; ticagrelor shares the stem with a different ending.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clopidogrel used for?
Acute coronary syndrome; After coronary stent placement (with aspirin); Recent stroke, myocardial infarction or peripheral artery disease.
What drug class is Clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel belongs to the class antiplatelet drugs. Irreversibly blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelets, preventing them from clumping.
What are the nursing considerations for Clopidogrel?
Usually stopped about 5 days before elective surgery, only as the prescriber directs; never stopped early after a stent without the cardiologist. Omeprazole and esomeprazole reduce its activation; another acid reducer is often chosen.
What should patients report while taking Clopidogrel?
any unusual bleeding or black stools; fever, weakness and purple skin spots (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, rare).