What is the difference between clopidogrel and aspirin?

Aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) are drugs used to prevent blood clots. Aspirin and Plavix belong to different drug classes. Plavix is an anticoagulant and aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin also is used to reduce fever, and to treat pain and inflammation in the body.

Is clopidogrel more effective than aspirin?

Interpretation Long-term administration of clopidogrel to patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease is more effective than aspirin in reducing the combined risk of ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death.

Why is clopidogrel preferred to aspirin?

Several clinical trials reported that clopidogrel was superior to aspirin in secondary stroke prevention by reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Can you take both aspirin and clopidogrel together?

Aspirin combined with clopidogrel has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as in those with acute coronary syndrome.

Is it safe to take clopidogrel long term?

Safety Announcement

[ 11-06-2015 ] A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review has determined that long-term use of the blood-thinning drug Plavix (clopidogrel) does not increase or decrease overall risk of death in patients with, or at risk for, heart disease.

Asprin vs Plavix? Which is better?

What are the most common side effects of clopidogrel?

Common side effects

bleeding more easily than normal – nosebleeds, bruising more easily or bleeding that takes longer to stop. diarrhoea. stomach pain. indigestion or heartburn.

Can I take clopidogrel instead of aspirin?

Aspirin combined with the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel is no better than aspirin alone for stroke prevention in people with a history of lacunar strokes, and the combination carries a greater risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, according to results of a trial funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Does clopidogrel affect blood pressure?

You likely won't have blood pressure changes while you're taking Plavix. However, sudden drops in blood pressure may be a symptom of serious internal bleeding, which is a possible side effect of Plavix.

When is the best time to take clopidogrel?

You can take clopidogrel at whatever time of day you find easiest to remember, but take your doses at the same time of day each day. Most people prefer to take it in the morning, as they find this helps them to remember to take it regularly. You can take the tablet either before or after a meal.

What are the advantages of clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel reduces the ability of the platelets to stick together and reduces the risk of clots forming. This protects you from having a stroke or heart attack.

Can you have a stroke while on clopidogrel?

Our study showed that more than half of the patients with aspirin failure were treated with clopidogrel-aspirin. In particular, a higher ESRS, which indicates an increased risk of recurrent stroke, was associated with the choice of clopidogrel-aspirin rather than aspirin.

What can you take instead of clopidogrel?

Besides oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin and the more recent dabigatran[9], and niche agents, such as cilostazol and ticlopidine[10,11], the most promising alternatives to clopidogrel in those with background aspirin therapy are prasugrel and ticagrelor.

Does clopidogrel affect sleep?

The organic nitrates (isosorbide) and the antiplatelet agents (acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel) are among the most prescribed drugs in cardiology and are not cited as causing insomnia or sleepiness.

Does clopidogrel affect the kidneys?

Conclusions. In summary, among patients hospitalized with ACS and treated with clopidogrel, lower levels of kidney function were associated with a greater risk of death, hospitalization for AMI, and major bleeding.

Can clopidogrel be stopped suddenly?

You do not need to wean the drug, and can stop it abruptly.

How do you know if clopidogrel is working?

Talk to a pharmacist or your doctor before buying any over-the-counter medicine to check if it is compatible with clopidogrel. You may notice that you bruise or bleed more easily and it will take longer to stop bleeding while you are taking clopidogrel. This shows that clopidogrel is working.

What is clopidogrel 75 mg used to treat?

Clopidogrel is used alone or with aspirin to prevent serious or life-threatening problems with the heart and blood vessels in people who have had a stroke, heart attack, or severe chest pain.

Does clopidogrel cause joint pain?

Arthralgia and backache are also known to occur with its use. There have been case reports linking arthritis with the use of clopidogrel. We describe the case of a 64-year-old man who reported symptoms of fever and joint pains following initiation of therapy with clopidogrel.

What is the most serious adverse effect of clopidogrel?

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What foods should I avoid when taking clopidogrel?

Is it OK to take clopidogrel every other day?

Conclusions: Long term dual anti-platelet therapy with aspirin 81 mg daily and clopidogrel 75 mg every other day beyond 12 months after PCI with DES may be a safe and efficacious cost-saving strategy to prevent VLST.

Does clopidogrel cause leg cramps?

It frequently occurs in the legs and often causes claudication or pain in the legs upon walking. Plavix is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in these patients.

Can you drink alcohol with clopidogrel?

Can I drink alcohol while taking clopidogrel? ️ Yes (within the recommended limits). Alcohol doesn't affect clopidogrel itself, but just be aware that drinking alcohol can irritate your stomach lining. This could increase the risk of getting a bleeding in the stomach.

Can clopidogrel cause anxiety?

headache, fever, weakness, feeling tired; little or no urination; a seizure; low blood sugar--headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or.

Is Ginger a natural blood thinner?

Ginger. Ginger is another anti-inflammatory spice that may stop blood clotting. It contains a natural acid called salicylate. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a synthetic derivative of salicylate and a potent blood thinner.