Clopidogrel - Plavix specific drug interactions results

Plavix contains substance clopidogrel. Plavix belongs to a group of drugs called anti-platelet medications. Plavix is used to prevent forming blood clots in hardened blood vessels, known as atherothrombosis, which can lead to events such as heart attack, stroke or even death.

Study of specific drug interactions with Plavix gave the following results:

Aspirin: When taken 500 mg of aspirin twice a day for 1 day together with Plavix, aspirin did not significantly increase the prolongation of bleeding time induced by Plavix. Plavix only potentiated aspirin effect on collagen induced platelet aggregation. The safety of chronic administration of aspirin and Plavix together has not been established.

Heparin: In a clinical study with healthy volunteers, Plavix did not necessitate modification of the heparin dosage or alter the effect of heparin on coagulation. Combination of heparin and Plavix had no effect on inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by Plavix. The safety of this combination has not been established, however, co-administration should be taken with caution.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): In healthy volunteers receiving NSAID naproxen together with Plavix was associated with increased occult gastrointestinal blood loss. Plavix and NSAIDs combination should be taken with caution.

Warfarin: If other blood thinners (such as warfarin) are taken with Plavix, the body may metabolize them differently than intended. Doctor may choose to monitor INR and prothrombin time how well the blood is clotting more frequently and adjust accordingly.

Phenytoin, Tamoxifen, Torsemide, Fluvastatin: Taking Plavix together these drugs can increase the amount of phenytoin, tamoxifen, torsemide or fluvastatin in your blood, resulting in possible side effects. Your doctor may need to adjust your Plavix dosage or dosage of medicine you are taking along.

Herbal and nutritional supplements: Several herbal and nutritional supplements can interact with Plavix and may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are taking any natural or herbal supplements, make sure to discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Plavix therapy.

Other drug combinations: No clinically significant pharmacodynamic interactions were observed when Plavix was taken with nifedipine, atenolol, or both nifedipine and atenolol. The pharmacodynamic activity of Plavix was also not significantly influenced by combinations of phenobarbital, estrogen or cimetidine.