CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Julie Hamilton-Elliott, Fear Free,
Medication: Clopidogrel
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Your dog has been prescribed the active ingredient clopidogrel to prevent thrombus (blood clot) formation.
ℹ️Key points: • Anti-platelet drug. • Reduces the risk of thrombus (clot) formation. • Do not use in dogs with bleeding disorders or gastrointestinal ulceration. • Dosage: once daily.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Clopidogrel (clo-pid-o-grel).
Brand name
- Plavix® (Europe & UK, US).
Class of drug
- Anti-platelet.
Storage
- No special storage requirements if in aluminum blisters.
- Loose tablets store in a tight, light resistant container.
Why has my dog been prescribed clopidogrel?
Your veterinarian has prescribed clopidogrel to reduce the risk the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) if your dog is at risk of developing blood clots or has a pre-existing thrombus or has had a previous thromboembolic event. Possible conditions which can result in blood clot formation include protein losing disease (eg protein losing enteropathy or nephropathy), immune-mediated disease (eg immune-mediated hemolytic anemia), inflammatory disease and metabolic disease (eg Cushings disease). Clopidogrel binds to, and inhibits, the adenosine diphosphate ADP (P2Y12) receptor on platelets, thereby inhibiting platelet binding. Platelet binding is one component of the process of blood clot formation within the body.
How is the medication given?
Clopidogrel is given orally, as a tablet but is also available in a compounded liquid formulation.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Clopidogrel is well-tolerated in dogs. Overdoses may result in bleeding disorders.
Drug interactions
Usually clopidogrel is not combined with other anti-platelet or anti-coagulant medications due to the risk of bleeding disorders but in some specific cases your veterinarian may have justification to recommend this when the potential benefits outweigh the risks and your veterinarian should explain this to you.How long will my dog need to receive this medication?
Clopidogrel should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. If your dog is due to have surgery, administration should be ceased approximately 7 days prior to being admitted to the hospital.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused clopidogrel safely - do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save clopidogrel for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If an overdose has been given, contact your veterinary practice immediately.
My dog is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Clopidogrel should only be given to the animal that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household
- Do not use in animals with bleeding disorders or gastrointestinal ulcers
- Do not use in animals with kidney or liver impairment.
Will my dog need to be monitored while on clopidogrel?
Routine monitoring is not necessarily performed specifically for animals receiving clopidogrel but if the drug is being prescribed to reduce blood clots secondary to a specific disease (eg IMHA, protein losing disease) then active monitoring may be recommended by your veterinarian.