Clopidogrel: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
1.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) For 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 ar
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label 98a83879…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
| Adverse reaction (as reported in labeling) | Reported frequency* |
|---|---|
| Minor bleeding ¶ | 5.1% |
| Any noncerebral bleeding | 3.9% |
| Other noncerebral bleeding (non-major) | 3.6% |
| Life-threatening bleeding | 2.2% |
| Other major bleeding | 1.6% |
| Requiring 2 to 3 units of blood | 1.3% |
| Requiring transfusion (≥4 units) | 1.2% |
| Hemorrhagic stroke | 0.91% |
| 5 g/dl hemoglobin drop | 0.9% |
| Requiring surgical intervention | 0.7% |
| Requiring inotropes | 0.5% |
| Major noncerebral | 0.48% |
| Significantly disabling | 0.4% |
| Intracranial hemorrhage | 0.4% |
| Fatal | 0.2% |
| Hemorrhagic strokes | 0.1% |
| Significant loss of vision | 0.05% |
*Highest percentage reported for the active moiety across placebo-controlled trial tables in current FDA labeling. Values reflect trial reporting, not your individual risk.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
1.1 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) For 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, clopidogrel tablets, USP have been shown to decrease the rate of a combined endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke as well as the rate of a combined endpoint of cardiovascular death, MI, stroke, or refractory ischemia. For patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), clopidogrel tablets, USP have been shown to reduce the rate of death from any cause and the rate of a combined endpoint of death, re-infarction, or stroke. The benefit for patients who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention is unknown. The optimal duration of clopidogrel tablets, USP therapy in ACS is unknown. 1.2 Recent MI, Recent Stroke, or Established Peripheral Arterial Disease For patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction (MI), recent stroke, or established peripheral arterial disease, clopidogrel tablets, USP have been shown to reduce the rate of a combined endpoint of new ische…
Tests providers may use to monitor Clopidogrel therapy
Conditions associated with Clopidogrel in labeling
Chest Pain
Discomfort or pain in the chest that can range from minor muscle strain to a life-threatening heart condition....
Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack, occurring when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing chest pain and heart...
Stroke
Sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing rapid loss of brain function. Time-critical medical em...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clopidogrel used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Clopidogrel?
The table above shows adverse reactions and the highest frequencies reported in placebo-controlled trials summarized in current FDA labeling for Clopidogrel. Individual risk varies.
Does Clopidogrel require lab monitoring?
Labeling and standard practice associate Clopidogrel with periodic laboratory monitoring; the tests above are commonly ordered by clinicians to monitor patients on therapy. Your provider decides what is appropriate.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.