Clopidogrel, also known as Plavix is one of the newer thienopyridine compounds, which is a very potent platelet inhibitor.
Indications:
Vascular disease
Prevention of more strokes if you have had one
A substitute for aspirin if you are aspirin intolerant
Stents
In patients who are very high risk for coronary events, or those following intervention with drug eluting stents, the cardiologist will always use a combination of Aspirin and Plavix, unless there is good reason not so to do.
Again, as with Aspirin, there is a small degree of risk of bleeding from the lining of the stomach or other areas of the body, but your cardiologist will discuss these risks and the benefit of the treatment with you in detail during the consultation.
