Plavix (generic name: clopidogrel) is a medication used to prevent platelets in your blood from sticking together, which helps reduce the formation of unwanted blood clots[1].
Plavix is commonly prescribed to lower the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems in people who have:
- Had a heart attack
- Had a stroke
- Acute coronary syndrome (conditions related to decreased blood flow to the heart, such as unstable angina)
- Peripheral arterial disease, a condition where narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs
It is also often used together with aspirin to provide additional protection in certain high-risk cardiovascular conditions[1][2][4][5][7].
Plavix belongs to a class of medicines known as antiplatelet drugs, working by inhibiting platelets from clumping together to form clots that can block arteries and lead to heart attacks or strokes[1][2][3][6].
References
- [1] Clopidogrel (Plavix): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions – WebMD
- [2] Clopidogrel: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More – Healthline
- [3] Clopidogrel: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [4] Clopidogrel Uses, Side Effects & Warnings – Drugs.com
- [5] Plavix Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [6] Clopidogrel (Plavix): Uses & Side Effects – Cleveland Clinic
- [7] Clopidogrel (oral route) – Side effects & dosage – Mayo Clinic