Clopidogrel
Also known as: Plavix, Antiplaq, Clodian, Cloflow, Clopact, Clopivas, Clopod, Iscover, Iskimil, Nabratin, Noklot, Pleyar, Troken
- **Purpose**: This medication helps prevent life-threatening blood clots. - **Administration**: May be given with or without food. If vomiting occurs, give with food. - **Feline Tip**: This medication is extremely bitter. Do not crush it or let it dissolve in your cat's mouth, as it will cause severe drooling. Hiding the pill fragment inside an empty gelatin capsule or a pill pocket is highly recommended. - **Bleeding Risk**: Because it stops blood from clotting, watch for unusual bruising, bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, or black, tarry stools. Report any of these signs to your veterinarian immediately. - **Appetite**: Report any lack of appetite or persistent vomiting to your veterinarian.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an anti-platelet agent
- Thromboprophylaxis
- To prevent thrombus formation
- To prevent thrombus formation (combination therapy)
- To prevent thrombus formation
- Thromboprophylaxis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Bleeding/hemorrhage
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) - rare in humans
Cautions & contraindications
- Active pathologic bleeding
- Known hypersensitivity to the drug
- > **Bleeding Risk**: Use with caution in patients at risk for bleeding from trauma, surgery, or other pathological conditions. > **Pregnancy/Nursing**: FDA Category B in humans. Probably safe in nursing veterinary patients, but weigh potential risks to offspring or use a milk replacer.
Drug interactions
- Aspirin: Increased risk for bleeding; however, many patients take both medications intentionally for dual antiplatelet therapy.
- Heparin / Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWH): Clopidogrel appears safe to use concurrently with heparin.
- NSAIDs: Increased risk for bleeding; clopidogrel may interfere with NSAID metabolism.
- Phenytoin: Clopidogrel may interfere with phenytoin metabolism.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole): May decrease the efficacy of clopidogrel by inhibiting CYP2C19, the enzyme needed to convert clopidogrel to its active metabolite.
- Torsemide: Clopidogrel may interfere with torsemide metabolism.
- Warfarin: Increased risk for bleeding; clopidogrel may interfere with warfarin metabolism.
- Anticoagulants: High risk of bleeding complications
Frequently asked questions
What is Clopidogrel used for in pets?
- **Purpose**: This medication helps prevent life-threatening blood clots. - **Administration**: May be given with or without food. If vomiting occurs, give with food. - **Feline Tip**: This medication is extremely bitter. Do not crush it or let it dissolve in your cat's mouth, as it will cause severe drooling. Hiding the pill fragment inside an empty gelatin capsule or a pill pocket is highly recommended. - **Bleeding Risk**: Because it stops blood from clotting, watch for unusual bruising, bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, or black, tarry stools. Report any of these signs to your veterinarian immediately. - **Appetite**: Report any lack of appetite or persistent vomiting to your veterinarian.
Is Clopidogrel safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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