Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

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 (Plavix) is a prescription antiplatelet medication that helps lower your risk of heart attack or stroke. It works by stopping platelets in your blood from sticking together and forming clots. You take it as a tablet by mouth once a day, and it might be used alone or with aspirin in some situations. Since it's a blood thinner, the most common side effect is bleeding.

    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
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
    •Lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people who recently had one, or who have peripheral artery disease
    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
    •Good choice for lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke
    •Tablet that's taken once a day by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    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
    •Blood clotting condition
    •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

Compare other Peripheral Artery Disease drugs

Brilinta vs PlavixIbuprofen vs PlavixLodine vs PlavixPlavix vs CoumadinPlavix vs EffientPlavix vs EliquisPlavix vs PletalPlavix vs PradaxaPlavix vs TiclidPlavix vs XareltoTylenol vs PlavixArthrotec vs IbuprofenAspirin vs IbuprofenBrilinta vs AspirinBrilinta vs ClopidogrelBrilinta vs HeparinDuexis vs IbuprofenEffient vs BrilintaEliquis vs BrilintaIbuprofen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineIbuprofen vs CelebrexIbuprofen vs ClaritinIbuprofen vs CoumadinIbuprofen vs DayquilIbuprofen vs DiclofenacIbuprofen vs IndocinIbuprofen vs LodineIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MobicXarelto vs Brilinta
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.