If you have certain heart conditions, your doctor might suggest Plavix as a treatment option for you.
Plavix is a prescription drug used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults who:
- have certain kinds of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)*
- have previously had a heart attack or stroke
- have peripheral artery disease (PAD)
* For this use, Plavix is taken with aspirin.
The active ingredient in Plavix is clopidogrel. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs known as antiplatelet drugs.
Plavix comes as a tablet that you swallow.
This article describes the dosages of Plavix, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Plavix, see this in-depth article.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Plavix’s dosage. A loading dose refers to a dose taken at the start of treatment. It’s usually larger than the dose prescribed for the remainder of treatment. Be sure to read on for additional details of Plavix’s dosage.
| Condition Plavix treats | Loading dose | Usual dosage |
| ACS | 300 milligrams (mg) taken one time* | 75 mg taken once per day |
| recent heart attack or stroke | none | 75 mg taken once per day |
| PAD | none | 75 mg taken once per day |
* Whether your doctor prescribes a loading dose depends on certain factors, such as your age.
Please keep in mind that this article covers Plavix’s standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.
The dosage of Plavix that you’ll take depends on what condition you’re using it to treat. Before you begin taking Plavix, your doctor will go over a dosing schedule that’s specific to your condition.
What is Plavix’s form?
Plavix comes as a tablet that you swallow.
What strengths does Plavix come in?
Plavix is available in two strengths:
- 75 milligrams (mg)
- 300 mg
What are the usual dosages of Plavix?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for acute coronary syndrome
If you have a certain kind of acute coronary syndrome, you may start Plavix treatment with a single loading dose of 300 mg. A loading dose refers to a dose taken at the start of treatment. It’s usually larger than the dose prescribed for the remainder of treatment. It helps the drug work faster in your body.
After the loading dose, or if your doctor does not prescribe a loading dose, you’ll take 75 mg of Plavix once per day.
Dosage for recent stroke or heart attack
If you’re prescribed Plavix due to a recent heart attack or stroke, your dosage will likely be 75 mg once per day. The manufacturer does not recommend a loading dose for this use.
Dosage for peripheral artery disease
If you’re taking Plavix because you have peripheral artery disease, your dosage will likely be 75 mg once per day. The manufacturer does not recommend a loading dose for this use.
Is Plavix used long term?
Yes, Plavix is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Plavix’s dosage.
Will I need to start Plavix treatment with a loading dose?
It depends. If you’re taking Plavix for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), you may take one 300-milligram (mg) loading dose. A loading dose refers to a dose taken at the start of treatment. It’s usually larger than the dose prescribed for the remainder of treatment. The larger dose allows the drug to work faster in your body.
Whether your doctor prescribes a loading dose depends on certain factors, such as your age.
Then you’ll take 75 mg once per day. This lower dose, often called a maintenance dose, helps to keep a steady amount of drug in your body.
If you’re taking Plavix due to peripheral artery disease or after a recent heart attack or stroke, you won’t need to take a loading dose.
For more information about Plavix and loading doses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is the dosage of Plavix different for older people?
No, the usual dosage of Plavix will not differ based on age. The manufacturer of Plavix does not recommend a dosage adjustment for older people.
If you’re age 65 years or older, you’ll take 75 mg of Plavix once per day.
Note that if you’re taking Plavix for ACS, your doctor may prescribe a 300-mg loading dose at the start of treatment. This depends on the kind of ACS you have and whether you are 75 years old or younger.
If you miss a dose of Plavix, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Don’t double up on doses to make up for the missed dose.
If you have questions about missing a dose of Plavix, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Plavix on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Plavix comes as tablets that you swallow whole. You may take Plavix with or without food. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. This will help you remember to take it.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Plavix, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Plavix in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Do not take more Plavix than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- bleeding, including bleeding in the digestive tract
- vomiting
- feeling faint and needing to lie down
- breathing problems
What to do in case you take too much Plavix
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Plavix. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Plavix, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Plavix without your doctor’s recommendation. Take Plavix exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my dosage of Plavix change if I’m scheduled for surgery?
- If I take other drugs with Plavix, will they affect my dosage?
- Should my dosage change if Plavix isn’t working well enough for me?
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
