what is clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is a medication that belongs to a group of medications called antiplatelets. It is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in people with heart disease, recent heart attack, recent stroke, or peripheral arterial disease. It works by preventing platelets from clumping together in the blood, which reduces the chance that a harmful blood clot will form. Clopidogrel is usually taken orally and can be used alone or with aspirin. It can cause side effects such as bleeding more easily than normal, diarrhea, stomach pain, and indigestion or heartburn. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions for taking clopidogrel and ask questions.