Clopidogrel is used to prevent blood clots that can lead to serious or life-threatening problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially in people who have already had a heart attack, stroke, or have other conditions affecting blood flow such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), severe chest pain, or peripheral arterial disease[1][2][4].
It is commonly prescribed for:
- Reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with a history of these conditions[1][2][4]
- Lowering the risk of blood clots after certain heart procedures, such as angioplasty or the placement of a stent[2]
- Preventing complications in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (conditions where blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked or reduced)[1][4]
- Treating peripheral arterial disease, where blood vessels in the legs are narrowed and there is increased risk of clotting[1][2]
Clopidogrel works by preventing platelets in the blood from sticking together, which helps stop the formation of dangerous blood clots[1][2][3].