Plavix

Other Names: Clopidogrel.

Commonly Prescribed For: Plavix is generally prescribed preventing strokes and heart problems in patients who are at a high risk for these problems. This medication can also be used sometimes for preventing blood clots in patients suffering from mitral valve disease, prosthetic heart valves, and coronary artery stent placement. Plavix is commonly used with other medications.

How to Take it: Plavix available in the form of a tablet to be taken via mouth. This medication is generally taken once every day, either with food or without food. Take Plavix as prescribed around the same time daily.

How it Works: Plavix belongs to a class of medications known as antiplatelet drugs. This medication works to put off harmful blood clots, which might cause heart attacks.

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include excessive tiredness, nosebleed, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, and stomach pain. Serious side effects include hives, slow or difficult speech, rash, black and tarry stools, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, yellowing of the skin, red blood in stools, confusion, bloody vomit, bleeding under the skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and vision loss.