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Clopidogrel

Prescription

Antiplatelet agent (ADP receptor inhibitor)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Cat, Dog

Brands

3 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelet surface, preventing ADP-mediated activation and aggregation of platelets for the lifespan of the platelet

At a glance

Class

Antiplatelet agent (ADP receptor inhibitor)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Below 25°C

Dosing

🐈

Cat

Prevention of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in cardiomyopathy

Dose

18.75–75 mg/cat

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

75 mg

Duration: Long-term / lifelong

🐕

Dog

Prevention of thromboembolism, hypercoagulable states

Dose

1–4 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

75 mg

Duration: Long-term

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength

75mg

Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Active pathological bleeding

Use with caution

Upcoming surgery (within 5–7 days)
Increased bleeding risk with concurrent antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents

Adverse effects

Common

GI upset

Vomiting

Serious

Bleeding/hemorrhage

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Platelet function testingSigns of bleedingEchocardiography (cats with cardiomyopathy)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Meloxicam

moderate

Both inhibit platelet function via different mechanisms (clopidogrel: ADP receptor; NSAID: TXA2). Additive bleeding risk.

Management: Use with caution. Monitor for bleeding signs. Combination sometimes used intentionally in thrombotic disease — requires close monitoring.

Omeprazole

moderate

Omeprazole inhibits CYP2C19, reducing conversion of clopidogrel prodrug to its active metabolite, potentially decreasing antiplatelet efficacy.

Management: Use pantoprazole or famotidine instead of omeprazole when patient requires both gastroprotection and clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Plavix

Sanofi/Bristol-Myers Squibb

India

Clopilet

Sun Pharma

Clopivas

Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel is a antiplatelet agent (adp receptor inhibitor) used in pets. Irreversibly inhibits the P2Y12 ADP receptor on platelet surface, preventing ADP-mediated activation and aggregation of platelets for the lifespan of the platelet

›What is Clopidogrel used for in pets?

Clopidogrel is used in veterinary medicine for: Prevention of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in cardiomyopathy; Prevention of thromboembolism, hypercoagulable states.

›What is the Clopidogrel dose for cats?

For cats, Clopidogrel is typically dosed as follows — Prevention of arterial thromboembolism (ATE) in cardiomyopathy: 18.75–75 mg/cat PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Clopidogrel dose for dogs?

For dogs, Clopidogrel is typically dosed as follows — Prevention of thromboembolism, hypercoagulable states: 1–4 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Clopidogrel?

Common: GI upset, Vomiting. Serious (call your vet immediately): Bleeding/hemorrhage, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (rare).

›Does Clopidogrel need a prescription?

Yes. Clopidogrel is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Clopidogrel not be used?

Do not use Clopidogrel if: Active pathological bleeding.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database