Interactions with other medicines

When two or more medicines are taken at the same time, the effects of one of the medicines can alter the effects of the other. This is known as a drug-drug interaction. Clopidogrel can interact with other medicines.

Some of the more common interactions are listed below. However, this is not a complete list.

Increased risk of bleeding

There is an increased risk of bleeding when clopidogrel is taken with some other medications including:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) – such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen


• dipyridamole – another type of antiplatelet


• warfarin – an anticoagulant medicine that prevents your blood from clotting

If you want to check your medicines are safe to take with clopidogrel, ask your doctor or pharmacist or read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Interactions with food and alcohol

There are no known interactions between clopidogrel and food, although it is a good idea to take clopidogrel with or after food, to help reduce irritation to the stomach.

It may be safe to drink alcohol with clopidogrel as long as you:

• check the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine


• take the correct dose of your medicine


• do not drink more than the maximum recommended daily limits of alcohol

Taking more than the recommended dose increases the risk of irritation to your stomach lining. This risk is increased further if you drink more than the recommended daily limits and may lead to bleeding from the stomach.

Interactions with other medicines

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Side effects of clopidogrel

Clopidogrel can cause side effects, although serious reactions are rare.

Common side effects of clopidogrel can include:

• headaches or dizziness


• nausea


• diarrhoea


• indigestion (dyspepsia)


• stomach ache or abdominal pain


• nosebleeds


• increased bleeding (your blood taking longer to clot – for example, when you cut yourself), or easy bruising

Speak to your GP if any of these side effects get worse or do not go away.

Serious side effects

More serious side effects can include:

• rashes and itching


• severe stomach ache or abdominal pain


• uncontrolled bleeding or unusual bruising


• vomiting with blood


• blood in your urine


• blood in your stools

Speak to your GP immediately if you experience any of these side effects or any other unusual problems while taking clopidogrel.

Allergic reaction

In some cases clopidogrel can cause an allergic reaction. Go to the nearest hospital’s accident and emergency department (A&E) if you experience:

• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat


• breathing problems


• a skin rash that appears quickly

Side effects of clopidogrel

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Special considerations

Clopidogrel may not be suitable to take if you have certain health conditions.

When to avoid clopidogrel

Clopidogrel should not be taken if you have:

• an active (bleeding) peptic ulcer


• recently had a brain haemorrhage


• haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder

Clopidogrel must not be given to anyone under 16 years old, unless under specialist advice.

Using clopidogrel with caution

Clopidogrel should be taken with caution if you:

• have liver problems


• have kidney problems


• are at risk of bleeding, for example, if you are at risk of peptic ulcers

Tell your GP if you have had an allergic reaction to any medications before taking clopidogrel.

Some people are advised to stop taking clopidogrel seven days before a planned operation or dental extraction (removal of a tooth). This should always be on the advice of your doctor or surgeon.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clopidogrel is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because there is very little information on its use in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Special considerations

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