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Compare Plavix vs. Pletal

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

Key takeaways

Clopidogrel (Plavix) and cilostazol are both medications used to help with blood flow, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor that prevents platelets from clumping together, which helps lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It's taken once a day and is available in a generic form. Cilostazol, on the other hand, is a PDE-3 inhibitor that not only stops platelets from clumping but also relaxes blood vessels in the legs. It's used to treat intermittent claudication, a condition that causes pain in the legs when walking. Cilostazol must be taken twice a day on an empty stomach and is not safe for people with heart failure. Both medications can increase the risk of bleeding, but cilostazol also has side effects like headaches and diarrhea. Additionally, you should avoid grapefruit products with both medications.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Cilostazol
  • Clopidogrel (Plavix)
    Cilostazol

  • Summary of Plavix vs. Pletal

    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).

    Summary for PDE-3 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Cilostazol is a leg pain medication that helps adults with poor blood flow from a condition called intermittent claudication. It can help you walk longer distances with less pain or discomfort. Cilostazol belongs to a group of medications called PDE-3 inhibitors. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth, usually twice a day on an empty stomach — at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner. Common side effects include headache, diarrhea, and abnormal stools.

  • Indications of Plavix vs. Pletal

    Indications for

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

    •Heart attack prevention
    •Stroke prevention
    Indications for
    •Intermittent claudication (pain in legs when you walk or exercise)

  • Pros and Cons of Plavix vs. Pletal

    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
    Pros and Const for PDE-3 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Helps you walk further with less pain
    •Comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take 2 to 4 weeks before symptoms start to improve
    •Interacts with certain foods and medications
    •Not safe for people with heart failure

  • Common Side Effects of Plavix vs. Pletal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Minor bleeding (5%)
    •Major bleeding (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (34%)
    •Diarrhea (19%)
    •Abnormal stools (15%)
    •Heart palpitations (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Sore throat (10%)
    •Infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Plavix vs. Pletal

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe for people with heart failure
    •Fast heart rate
    •Blockage in the heart's blood flow
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •Bleeding problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Plavix vs. Pletal

    Learn more about Clopidogrel
    Learn more about Cilostazol

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