Stroke Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Plavix Medication Information
Available only by prescription, Plavix® (clopidogrel bisulfate) is a medication used to help prevent harmful blood clots from forming. It may be given to people who have had a recent heart attack, stroke, or severe chest pain requiring hospitalization. This antiplatelet drug (also called a "blood thinner") helps prevent platelets from sticking together, which helps the blood flow more freely.
Plavix comes in tablet form and is taken once a day. Before you start using this product, review the safety information for Plavix with your healthcare provider. This medication can cause side effects, such as headache, dizziness, or diarrhea. However, it is well tolerated by most people. If side effects do occur, they tend to be minor and easy to treat.
(For more information on this medication, click Plavix. This article offers an in-depth discussion on other possible side effects, what to do if you miss a dose, drug warnings, and more.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD



