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Plavix

clopidogrel · Tablet, Film Coated

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Plavix
Generic name
clopidogrel
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Clopidogrel Bisulfate 300 mg/1 309362 View
Clopidogrel Bisulfate 75 mg/1 309362 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Cytochrome P450 2C8 Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 56 members
Decreased Platelet Aggregation [PE] PE All 39 members
P2Y12 Platelet Inhibitor [EPC] EPC All 10 members
P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists [MoA] MoA All 10 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
020839
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
November 17, 1997
Sponsor
SANOFI AVENTIS US
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
58
Products approved under application 020839.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
020839-001 PLAVIX TABLET CLOPIDOGREL BISULFATE Prescription AB RLD
020839-002 PLAVIX TABLET CLOPIDOGREL BISULFATE Prescription AB RLD

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 020839.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 75 Labeling Approved September 12, 2023 Standard
Supplement 78 Labeling Approved September 16, 2022 Standard
Supplement 74 Labeling Approved March 1, 2021 Standard
Supplement 72 Labeling Approved May 17, 2019 Standard
Supplement 69 Labeling Approved October 11, 2018 Standard
Supplement 70 Labeling Approved May 25, 2018 Standard
Supplement 68 Labeling Approved October 31, 2017 Standard
Supplement 67 Labeling Approved July 10, 2017 Standard
Supplement 64 Labeling Approved September 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 62 Labeling Approved September 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 63 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 24, 2016 Priority
Supplement 61 Labeling Approved July 16, 2015 Standard
Supplement 60 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 14, 2014 Priority
Supplement 59 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 12, 2014 Priority
Supplement 58 Labeling Approved December 12, 2013 Standard
Supplement 57 Labeling Approved September 12, 2013 Standard
Supplement 56 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 24, 2013 Priority
Supplement 55 Labeling Approved December 20, 2011 Unknown
Supplement 51 Efficacy Approved May 6, 2011 Priority
Supplement 53 REMS Approved May 3, 2011 N/A
Supplement 52 REMS Approved February 1, 2011 N/A
Supplement 48 Labeling Approved August 24, 2010 Standard
Supplement 42 Labeling Approved March 12, 2010 Standard
Supplement 44 Labeling Approved November 12, 2009 Unknown
Supplement 40 Labeling Approved May 5, 2009 901 Required
Supplement 39 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 22, 2007 N/A
Supplement 38 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 20, 2007 N/A
Supplement 37 Labeling Approved May 1, 2007 Standard
Supplement 34 Efficacy Approved August 17, 2006 Priority
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved August 4, 2006 Standard
Supplement 33 Labeling Approved October 14, 2005 Standard
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved April 26, 2005 Standard
Supplement 31 Labeling Approved April 25, 2005 Standard
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved April 25, 2005 Standard
Supplement 23 Labeling Approved October 13, 2004 Standard
Supplement 24 Labeling Approved September 29, 2003 Standard
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved September 29, 2003 Standard
Supplement 20 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 10, 2002 Priority
Supplement 22 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 10, 2002 Priority
Supplement 19 Efficacy Approved February 27, 2002 Priority
Supplement 18 Labeling Approved January 28, 2002 Standard
Supplement 17 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 5, 2001 Priority
Supplement 16 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 19, 2001 Priority
Supplement 15 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 18, 2001 Priority
Supplement 14 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 7, 2001 Priority
Supplement 13 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 7, 2001 Priority
Supplement 10 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 9, 2000 Priority
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 24, 2000 Priority
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 25, 2000 Priority
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 10, 2000 Priority
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved April 28, 2000 Standard
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 15, 2000 Priority
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved February 22, 2000 Standard
Supplement 4 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 27, 2000 Priority
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 20, 1999 Priority
Supplement 2 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 21, 1998 Priority
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 12, 1998 Priority
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved November 17, 1997 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · September 14, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · September 13, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · September 20, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · September 19, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · May 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · May 20, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 15, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · October 12, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 13, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 13, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 21, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 21, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 16, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · September 16, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · July 20, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · July 17, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · December 17, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · December 16, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · September 17, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · September 13, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2012

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250530). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250530

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: DIMINISHED ANTIPLATELET EFFECT IN PATIENTS WITH TWO LOSS-OF-FUNCTION ALLELES OF THE CYP2C19 GENE WARNING: DIMINISHED ANTIPLATELET EFFECT IN PATIENTS WITH TWO LOSS-OF-FUNCTION ALLELES OF THE CYP2C19 GENE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Effectiveness of Plavix depends on conversion to an active metabolite by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system, principally CYP2C19. ( 5.1 , 12.3 ) Tests are available to identify patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. ( 12.5 ) Consider use of another platelet P2Y 12 inhibitor in patients identified as CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. ( 5.1 ) The effectiveness of Plavix results from its antiplatelet activity, which is dependent on its conversion to an active metabolite by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system, principally CYP2C19 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Plavix at recommended doses forms less of the active metabolite and so has a reduced effect on platelet activity in patients who are homozygous for nonfunctional alleles of the CYP2C19 gene, (termed "CYP2C19 poor metabolizers"). Tests are available to identify patients who are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5) ] . Consider use of another platelet P2Y 12 inhibitor in patients identified as CYP2C19 poor metabolizers.

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Plavix is a P2Y 12 platelet inhibitor indicated for: Acute coronary syndrome – For patients with non–ST-segment elevation ACS (unstable angina [UA]/non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]), Plavix has been shown to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. ( 1.1 ) – For patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), Plavix has been shown to reduce the rate of MI and stroke. ( 1.1 ) Recent MI, recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease. Plavix has been shown to reduce the rate of MI and stroke. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Plavix is indicated to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with non–ST-segment elevation ACS (unstable angina [UA]/non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]), including patients who are to be managed medically and those who are to be managed with coronary revascularization. Plavix should be administered in conjunction with aspirin. Plavix is indicated to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are to be managed medically. Plavix should be administered in conjunction with aspirin. 1.2 Recent MI, Recent Stroke, or Established Peripheral Arterial Disease In patients with established peripheral arterial disease or with a history of recent myocardial infarction (MI) or recent stroke Plavix is indicated to reduce the rate of MI and stroke.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Acute coronary syndrome ( 2.1 ) – Initiate Plavix with a single 300 mg oral loading dose and then continue at 75 mg once daily. – Initiating Plavix without a loading dose will delay establishment of an antiplatelet effect by several days. Recent MI, recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease: 75 mg once daily orally without a loading dose. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome In patients who need an antiplatelet effect within hours, initiate Plavix with a single 300 mg oral loading dose and then continue at 75 mg once daily. Initiating Plavix without a loading dose will delay establishment of an antiplatelet effect by several days [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . 2.2 Recent MI, Recent Stroke, or Established Peripheral Arterial Disease 75 mg once daily orally without a loading dose [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ] .

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 75 mg tablets: Pink, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with "75" on one side and "1171" on the other 300 mg tablets: Pink, oblong, film-coated tablets debossed with "300" on one side and "1332" on the other Film-coated tablets: 75 mg, 300 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Active pathological bleeding, such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage ( 4.1 ) Hypersensitivity to clopidogrel or any component of the product ( 4.2 ) 4.1 Active Bleeding Plavix is contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage. 4.2 Hypersensitivity Plavix is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to clopidogrel or any component of the product [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] .

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS CYP2C19 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of omeprazole or esomeprazole. ( 5.1 ) Bleeding: Plavix increases risk of bleeding. ( 5.2 ) Discontinuation: Premature discontinuation increases risk of cardiovascular events. Discontinue 5 days prior to elective surgery that has a major risk of bleeding. ( 5.3 ) Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has been reported. ( 5.4 ) Cross-reactivity among thienopyridines has been reported. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Diminished Antiplatelet Activity in Patients with Impaired CYP2C19 Function Clopidogrel is a prodrug. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by clopidogrel is achieved through an active metabolite. The metabolism of clopidogrel to its active metabolite can be impaired by genetic variations in CYP2C19 [see Boxed Warning ] . The metabolism of clopidogrel can also be impaired by drugs that inhibit CYP2C19, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole. Avoid concomitant use of Plavix with omeprazole or esomeprazole because both significantly reduce the antiplatelet activity of Plavix [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . 5.2 General Risk of Bleeding P2Y12 inhibitors (thienopyridines), including Plavix, increase the risk of bleeding. P2Y12 inhibitors (thienopyridines), inhibit platelet aggregation for the lifetime of the platelet (7–10 days). Because the half-life of clopidogrel's active metabolite is short, it may be possible to restore hemostasis by administering exogenous platelets; however, platelet transfusions within 4 hours of the loading dose or 2 hours of the maintenance dose may be less effective. Use of drugs that induce the activity of CYP2C19 would be expected to result in increased drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and might potentiate the bleeding risk. As a precaution, avoid concomitant use of strong CYP2C19 inducers [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Risk factors for bleeding include concomitant use of other drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (e.g., anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and chronic use of NSAIDs) [see Drug Interactions (7.4 , 7.5 , 7.6 , 7.7) ]. 5.3 Discontinuation of Plavix Discontinuation of Plavix increases the risk of cardiovascular events. If Plavix must be temporarily discontinued (e.g., to treat bleeding or for surgery with a major risk of bleeding), restart it as soon as possible. When possible, interrupt therapy with Plavix for five days prior to such surgery. Resume Plavix as soon as hemostasis is achieved. 5.4 Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) TTP, sometimes fatal, has been reported following use of Plavix, sometimes after a short exposure (<2 weeks). TTP is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment including plasmapheresis (plasma exchange). It is characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (schistocytes [fragmented RBCs] seen on peripheral smear), neurological findings, renal dysfunction, and fever [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . 5.5 Cross-Reactivity among Thienopyridines Hypersensitivity including rash, angioedema or hematologic reaction has been reported in patients receiving Plavix, including patients with a history of hypersensitivity or hematologic reaction to other thienopyridines [see Contraindications (4.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] .

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling: Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Bleeding, including life-threatening and fatal bleeding, is the most commonly reported adverse reaction. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions and durations of follow-up, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Plavix has been evaluated for safety in more than 54,000 patients, including over 21,000 patients treated for one year or more. The clinically important adverse reactions observed in trials comparing Plavix plus aspirin to placebo plus aspirin and trials comparing Plavix alone to aspirin alone are discussed below. Bleeding CURE In CURE, Plavix use with aspirin was associated with an increase in major bleeding (primarily gastrointestinal and at puncture sites) compared to placebo with aspirin (see Table 1 ). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (0.1%) and fatal bleeding (0.2%) were the same in both groups. Other bleeding events that were reported more frequently in the clopidogrel group were epistaxis, hematuria, and bruise. The overall incidence of bleeding is described in Table 1. Table 1: CURE Incidence of Bleeding Complications (% patients) Event Plavix (+ aspirin) (n=6259) Placebo (+ aspirin) (n=6303) Major bleeding Life-threatening and other major bleeding. 3.7 2.7 Life-threatening bleeding 2.2 1.8 Fatal 0.2 0.2 5 g/dL hemoglobin drop 0.9 0.9 Requiring surgical intervention 0.7 0.7 Hemorrhagic strokes 0.1 0.1 Requiring inotropes 0.5 0.5 Requiring transfusion (≥4 units) 1.2 1.0 Other major bleeding 1.6 1.0 Significantly disabling 0.4 0.3 Intraocular bleeding with significant loss of vision 0.05 0.03 Requiring 2–3 units of blood 1.3 0.9 Minor bleeding Led to interruption of study medication. 5.1 2.4 COMMIT In COMMIT, similar rates of major bleeding were observed in the Plavix and placebo groups, both of which also received aspirin (see Table 2 ). Table 2: Incidence of Bleeding Events in COMMIT (% patients) Type of Bleeding Plavix (+ aspirin) (n=22961) Placebo (+ aspirin) (n=22891) p-value Major Major bleeds were cerebral bleeds or noncerebral bleeds thought to have caused death or that required transfusion. noncerebral or cerebral bleeding 0.6 0.5 0.59 Major noncerebral 0.4 0.3 0.48 Fatal 0.2 0.2 0.90 Hemorrhagic stroke 0.2 0.2 0.91 Fatal 0.2 0.2 0.81 Other noncerebral bleeding (nonmajor) 3.6 3.1 0.005 Any noncerebral bleeding 3.9 3.4 0.004 CAPRIE (Plavix vs Aspirin) In CAPRIE, gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred at a rate of 2.0% in those taking Plavix versus 2.7% in those taking aspirin; bleeding requiring hospitalization occurred in 0.7% and 1.1%, respectively. The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 0.4% for Plavix compared to 0.5% for aspirin. Other bleeding events that were reported more frequently in the Plavix group were epistaxis and hematoma. Other Adverse Events In CURE and CHARISMA, which compared Plavix plus aspirin to aspirin alone, there was no difference in the rate of adverse events (other than bleeding) between Plavix and placebo. In CAPRIE, which compared Plavix to aspirin, pruritus was more frequently reported in those taking Plavix. No other difference in the rate of adverse events (other than bleeding) was reported. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Plavix. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of an unknown size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal re …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP2C19 inducers: Increases levels of clopidogrel active metabolite and increases platelet inhibition. ( 7.1 ) Opioids: Decreased exposure to clopidogrel. Consider use of parenteral antiplatelet agent. ( 7.3 ) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, selective serotonin and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, SNRIs): Increases risk of bleeding. ( 7.4 , 7.5 , 7.6 ) Other Antiplatelet Agents: Increases the risk of bleeding due to an additive effect. ( 7.7 ) Repaglinide (CYP2C8 substrates): Increases substrate plasma concentrations. ( 7.8 ) 7.1 CYP2C19 Inducers Since clopidogrel is metabolized to its active metabolite partly by CYP2C19, use of drugs that induce the activity of this enzyme would be expected to result in increased drug levels of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. Rifampin strongly induces CYP2C19 resulting to both an increase level of clopidogrel active metabolite and platelet inhibition, which in particular might potentiate the risk of bleeding. As a precaution, avoid concomitant use of strong CYP2C19 inducers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 CYP2C19 Inhibitors Clopidogrel is metabolized to its active metabolite in part by CYP2C19. Concomitant use of drugs that inhibit the activity of this enzyme results in reduced plasma concentrations of the active metabolite of clopidogrel and a reduction in platelet inhibition [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Omeprazole or Esomeprazole Avoid concomitant use of Plavix with omeprazole or esomeprazole. In clinical studies, omeprazole was shown to reduce significantly the antiplatelet activity of Plavix when given concomitantly or 12 hours apart. A similar reduction in antiplatelet activity was observed with esomeprazole when given concomitantly with Plavix. Dexlansoprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole had less effect on the antiplatelet activity of Plavix than did omeprazole or esomeprazole [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Opioids As with other oral P2Y 12 inhibitors, coadministration of opioid agonists delay and reduce the absorption of clopidogrel, presumably because of slowed gastric emptying, resulting in reduced exposure to its metabolites [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Consider the use of a parenteral antiplatelet agent in acute coronary syndrome patients requiring coadministration of morphine or other opioid agonists. 7.4 Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Coadministration of Plavix and NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. 7.5 Warfarin (CYP2C9 Substrates) Although the administration of clopidogrel 75 mg per day did not modify the pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin (a CYP2C9 substrate) or INR in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy, coadministration of Plavix with warfarin increases the risk of bleeding because of independent effects on hemostasis. However, at high concentrations in vitro , clopidogrel inhibits CYP2C9. 7.6 SSRIs and SNRIs Since selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) affect platelet activation, the concomitant administration of SSRIs and SNRIs with clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding. 7.7 Other Antiplatelet Agents Coadministration of antiplatelet agents increase the risk of bleeding due to an additive effect. Promptly evaluate any signs or symptoms of blood loss if patients are treated concomitantly with other antiplatelet agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 7.8 Repaglinide (CYP2C8 Substrates) The acyl-β-glucuronide metabolite of clopidogrel is a strong inhibitor of CYP2C8. Plavix can increase the systemic exposure to drugs that are primarily cleared by CYP2C8, thereby needing dose adjustment and appropriate monitoring. Plavix increased repaglinide exposures by 3.9-fold to 5.1-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Avoid concomitant use of repaglinide with Plavix. If concomita …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from cases reported in published literature and postmarketing surveillance with clopidogrel use in pregnant women have not identified any drug-associated risks for major birth defects or miscarriage [see Data ] . There are risks to the pregnant woman and fetus associated with myocardial infarction and stroke [see Clinical Considerations ] . No evidence of fetotoxicity was observed when clopidogrel was administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses corresponding to 65 and 78 times the recommended daily human dose [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Myocardial infarction and stroke are medical emergencies. Therapy for the pregnant woman should not be withheld because of potential concerns regarding the effects of clopidogrel on the fetus. Labor or delivery Clopidogrel use during labor or delivery will increase the risk of maternal bleeding and hemorrhage. Avoid neuraxial blockade during clopidogrel use because of the risk of spinal hematoma. When possible, discontinue clopidogrel 5 to 7 days prior to labor, delivery, or neuraxial blockade. Data Human data The available data from published case reports over two decades of postmarketing use have not identified an association with clopidogrel use in pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse fetal outcomes. Animal data Embryo-fetal developmental toxicology studies were performed in pregnant rats and rabbits with doses up to 500 and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively, administered during organogenesis. These doses, corresponding to 65 and 78 times the recommended daily human dose, respectively, on a mg/m 2 basis, revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or fetotoxicity due to clopidogrel. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of clopidogrel in human milk or the effects on milk production. No adverse effects on breastfed infants have been observed with maternal clopidogrel use during lactation in a small number of postmarketing cases. Studies in rats have shown that clopidogrel and/or its metabolites are present in the milk. When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother's clinical need for Plavix and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Plavix or from underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric populations have not been established. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial (CLARINET) did not demonstrate a clinical benefit of clopidogrel in neonates and infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease palliated with a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt. Possible factors contributing to this outcome were the dose of clopidogrel, the concomitant administration of aspirin, and the late initiation of therapy following shunt palliation. It cannot be ruled out that a trial with a different design would demonstrate a clinical benefit in this patient population. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects in the CAPRIE and CURE controlled clinical studies, approximately 50% of patients treated with Plavix were 65 years of age and older, and 15% were 75 years and older. In COMMIT, approximately 58% of the patients treated with Plavix were 60 years and older, 26% of whom were 70 years and older. The observed risk of bleeding events with Plavix plus aspirin versus placebo plus aspirin by age category is provided in Table 1 and Ta …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Clopidogrel is an inhibitor of platelet activation and aggregation through the irreversible binding of its active metabolite to the P2Y 12 class of ADP receptors on platelets.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Plavix (clopidogrel tablets) is a thienopyridine class inhibitor of P2Y 12 ADP platelet receptors. Chemically it is methyl (+)-( S )-α-(2-chlorophenyl)-6,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5(4 H )-acetate sulfate (1:1). The empirical formula of clopidogrel bisulfate is C 16 H 16 ClNO 2 S•H 2 SO 4 and its molecular weight is 419.9. The structural formula is as follows: Clopidogrel bisulfate is a white to off-white powder. It is practically insoluble in water at neutral pH but freely soluble at pH 1. It also dissolves freely in methanol, dissolves sparingly in methylene chloride, and is practically insoluble in ethyl ether. It has a specific optical rotation of about +56°. Plavix for oral administration is provided as either pink, round, biconvex, debossed, film-coated tablets containing 97.875 mg of clopidogrel bisulfate which is the molar equivalent of 75 mg of clopidogrel base or pink, oblong, debossed, film-coated tablets containing 391.5 mg of clopidogrel bisulfate which is the molar equivalent of 300 mg of clopidogrel base. Each tablet contains hydrogenated castor oil, hydroxypropyl cellulose, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and polyethylene glycol 6000 as inactive ingredients. The pink film coating contains ferric oxide, hypromellose 2910, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. The tablets are polished with Carnauba wax. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Platelet inhibition by Plavix is irreversible and will last for the life of the platelet. Overdose following clopidogrel administration may result in bleeding complications. A single oral dose of clopidogrel at 1500 or 2000 mg/kg was lethal to mice and to rats and at 3000 mg/kg to baboons. Symptoms of acute toxicity were vomiting, prostration, difficult breathing, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in animals. Based on biological plausibility, platelet transfusion may restore clotting ability.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Plavix (clopidogrel tablets) 75 mg are available as pink, round, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with "75" on one side and "1171" on the other. Tablets are provided as follows: NDC 0024-1171-90 Bottles of 90 Plavix (clopidogrel tablets) 300 mg are available as pink, oblong, film-coated tablets debossed with "300" on one side and "1332" on the other. Tablets are provided as follows: NDC 0024-1332-30 Unit-dose packages of 30 Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
101,667
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CLOPIDOGREL BISULFATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0024-1171-90 0024-1171 Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0024-1171-90) July 13, 2020
0024-1332-30 0024-1332 Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC 3 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0024-1332-30) / 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK July 13, 2020
0024-1171 0024-1171 Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC — November 17, 1997
0024-1332 0024-1332 Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC — May 9, 2009

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
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NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.