How And When To Take Clopidogrel

Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.

Dosage and strength

Clopidogrel tablets come in strengths of 75mg or 300mg.

The usual dose is 75mg taken once a day.

Occasionally you may be prescribed a one-off higher dose, such as 300mg or 600mg.

How to take it

Take clopidogrel at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. You can take it with or without food.

How long to take it for

You may need to take clopidogrel for a few weeks or months, or you may have to take it for the rest of your life. Your doctor will tell you how long to take it for.

Do not stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking it, you may be at increased risk of serious problems like heart attacks or strokes.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose of clopidogrel, take it as soon as you remember, if it's less than 12 hours since the time you were supposed to take it.

If you do not remember until 12 hours after your dose was due, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you. But you'll need to get advice as the amount of clopidogrel that can lead to overdose is different for everyone.

Contact 111 for advice now if:

you've taken more than your prescribed dose of clopidogrel

Call 111 or get help from 111 online.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the clopidogrel packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

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