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Compare Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and clopidogrel (Plavix) are both medications that can be used to manage conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and alleviate inflammation. It is available over-the-counter and by prescription, and it can be taken in various oral forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquid. Clopidogrel, on the other hand, is a P2Y12 inhibitor, which is a type of antiplatelet medication used to prevent heart attacks and strokes by helping treat and prevent blood clots. It is only available by prescription and is typically taken as a tablet once a day. While ibuprofen can cause side effects like nausea and stomach pain, clopidogrel's most common side effects include bleeding and bruising. Additionally, ibuprofen can interact with other NSAIDs and blood pressure medications, and clopidogrel can interact with NSAIDs as well as medications like omeprazole and certain antidepressants. It's important to note that ibuprofen is not a blood thinner, but it can increase bleeding risk, especially when taken with clopidogrel or other blood thinners.

  • Ibuprofen
    Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  • Ibuprofen
    Clopidogrel (Plavix)

  • Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    Summary for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Clopidogrel (also known by its brand name, Plavix) is a medication that's used to prevent heart attack and stroke in certain people who are at higher risk for those events. It comes as a tablet taken by mouth once per day and is also available as a generic medication. Since it's a blood thinner, possible side effects include bleeding and bruising, especially if you take medications that interact with clopidogrel (Plavix) like certain antidepressants, anticoagulants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

  • Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for

    For people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease:

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention

  • Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    Pros and Const for P2Y12 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke
    •Only taken once a day by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    Cons
    •Can cause major bleeding or bruising
    •Has many interactions with other medications
    •Might not work as well for people with East Asian descent

  • Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)

  • Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Clopidogrel (Plavix) not working as well
    •Bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack or stroke if stopped suddenly
    •Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Plavix

    Learn more about Ibuprofen
    Learn more about Clopidogrel

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