Plavix (clopidogrel) is an antiplatelet drug used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with certain cardiovascular diseases. It works by blocking certain substances in the blood that cause the formation of blood clots. Plavix belongs to a class of drugs known as thienopyridines, which are used to prevent blood clotting.
Plavix was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 and is now available in generic form. It is currently one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States.
The active ingredient in Plavix is clopidogrel, a thienopyridine derivative. It works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots by blocking the action of platelets, which are cells in the blood that help form clots. Other brand names and synonyms for Plavix include Clopilet, Clopidogrel, Clopidogrel Bisulfate, and Clopidogrel Hydrogen Sulfate.
Plavix is used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in people with certain cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebrovascular disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of blood clots in people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have had a stent placed in their coronary artery.
Plavix is also used to reduce the risk of blood clots in people who have had an acute coronary syndrome, such as a heart attack or unstable angina. It can also be used to reduce the risk of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation who are not taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin.
The benefits of Plavix include reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events in people with certain cardiovascular diseases. It can also reduce the risk of blood clots in people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have had a stent placed in their coronary artery. Additionally, Plavix can reduce the risk of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation who are not taking anticoagulants.
Overall, Plavix is a safe and effective medication for reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events in people with certain cardiovascular diseases. It can also reduce the risk of blood clots in people who have had a heart attack or stroke, or who have had a stent placed in their coronary artery. Additionally, Plavix can reduce the risk of blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation who are not taking anticoagulants.