This article describes Plavix’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Plavix. If you want to know more about Plavix, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Plavix is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in a generic version called clopidogrel. This article describes dosages of Plavix.
Boxed warning: Risk of drug metabolism problems
Plavix has a boxed warning for the risk of drug metabolism problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Form and strengths of Plavix
Plavix comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths: 75 milligrams (mg), 300 mg
Dosage of Plavix
This article describes the recommended dosages for Plavix. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Plavix without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Plavix in adults
Plavix is approved to treat acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in adults. (ACS is a group of conditions related to reduced blood flow to the heart.) The dosage of Plavix for this use is as follows:
- Loading dose: 300 mg once at the start of treatment
- Maintenance dosage: 75 mg once per day
A loading dose is a higher than usual dose that’s prescribed to quickly reach the full effects of a drug. Be sure to take your loading dose of Plavix according to your doctor’s instructions. This will help the medication work quickly in the first few days of treatment.
The usual recommended dosage of Plavix for a recent heart attack or stroke, and peripheral artery disease is as follows:
- Dose: 75 mg
- Frequency: once per day
The maximum dosage for Plavix is 75 mg per day, except for the one-time loading dose of 300 mg for treating ACS.
Missed dose of Plavix
If you miss a dose of Plavix, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. You should not take two doses at once.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Plavix. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Plavix and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Plavix and its dosage.
When is the best time of day to take Plavix?
There is no best time of day to take Plavix. But you should take it at the same time each day either with or without food. So take it at a time that is best for you and when you’re most likely to remember.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when to take Plavix.
What is the lowest recommended dose of Plavix?
The typical dosage of Plavix is 75 mg once per day. Usually, there isn’t a lowest recommended dosage, and the dosage is not adjusted. You and your doctor will determine if Plavix is right for you. You may be taking other medications that may make Plavix more or less effective. In this case, your doctor may change some of your other medications or their dosages.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Plavix.
Do older adults need to take a lower dose of Plavix?
No. The typical dosage of Plavix is 75 mg once per day. It’s not usually dose-adjusted for older adults (ages 65 years and older). But if you’re an older adult, you may have an increased risk of side effects of Plavix. Talk with your doctor if you notice symptoms, such as bleeding, excess bruising, confusion, or fever.
There are other medications that may increase your risk of bleeding if you’re an older adult and take Plavix. These include aspirin, blood thinners, and other anti-platelet medications. Depending on your condition and severity, your doctor may recommend you stop taking certain other medications.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your dosage of Plavix and how it interacts with your other medications.
Is Plavix taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Plavix 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.
If you have questions about how long you should take Plavix, talk with your doctor.
How Plavix is taken
You’ll swallow Plavix once per day with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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Get free cardOverdose of Plavix
It’s important that you do not take more Plavix than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Plavix overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include bleeding complications.
What to do if you take too much Plavix
If you think you’ve taken too much Plavix, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Plavix. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Plavix without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Plavix exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Could my dosage of Plavix become more or less effective because of other medications I’m taking?
- How will I know if my dosage of Plavix is working for me?
- Should I continue taking aspirin if you prescribe Plavix?
- I have a procedure coming up. When do I need to stop taking my dosage of Plavix?
Boxed warning for Plavix
Plavix has a boxed warning for the risk of drug metabolism problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Plavix may not work in people who have difficulty metabolizing (breaking down) certain drugs in their body. Plavix is converted to its active form by a certain liver enzyme (a type of protein). Sometimes, certain genetic variations of this liver enzyme can make it difficult to convert Plavix to its active form. This means Plavix will be less effective in people with these genetic variations.
Due to this risk, your doctor may order genetic tests to determine whether this medication is right for you. Talk with your doctor to learn more about this warning.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.