Plavix is a treatment option for certain heart conditions.

Plavix is a prescription drug used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults who:

* 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 is a pill 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

Your age is one of the factors that can affect whether or not your doctor prescribes a loading dose.

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 amount of Plavix you take depends on what you are treating. Your doctor will give you a specific schedule for Plavix to follow.

What is Plavix’s form?

Plavix is a pill that you swallow.

What strengths does Plavix come in?

Plavix is available in two strengths.

  • 75 milligrams is the amount of the drug.
  • 300 tablets

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 tablets. 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.

75 percent of Plavix is taken once per day after the loading dose.

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?

Plavix is used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for your condition, you will likely take it for a long time.

Below are answers to questions about Plavix.

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.

Your age is one of the factors that can affect whether or not your doctor prescribes a loading dose.

75mg will be taken once per day. A maintenance dose is a lower dose that helps 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.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about Plavix and loading doses.

Is the dosage of Plavix different for older people?

The usual Plavix dosage will not be different for older people. The manufacturer of Plavix does not recommend a change in dosage for older people.

75 percent of Plavix is taken by people 65 years old or older.

If you are taking Plavix for the treatment of the disease, your doctor may prescribe a 300-mg loading dose at the beginning of treatment. This is dependent on the kind of ACS you have and the age of you.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you missed the dose, take your next scheduled dose. If you double up on doses, you will miss the missed dose.

If you have questions about missing a dose of Plavix, you should 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 is a tablets that you swallow whole. You can take Plavix with or without food. Take your dose at the same time each day. This will help you remember.

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 can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies have labels for medication.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening bottles. They may be able to deliver Plavix in a container. They may have tips to make it easier to open the drug container.

If you take more Plavix than your doctor prescribes, you can have serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

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 dosages provided by the drug manufacturer are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Plavix, they will prescribe the correct amount.

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.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • Will my Plavix dose change if I have surgery?
  • Will the other drugs affect my dosage?
  • “Should my dose be changed if Plavix isn’t working well 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.