Clopidogrel for Dogs and Cats
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PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.
What Is Clopidogrel Used for in Dogs and Cats?
Clopidogrel is a prescription medication designed to decrease the body’s tendency to form blood clots.
It’s used in pets with conditions that can cause excessive blood clotting, such as:
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Dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
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Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
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Cats with aortic thromboembolism
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Cats and dogs with pulmonary hypertension
Excessive blood clotting is a medical concern because clots can travel to areas in the body where they should not—potentially causing stroke, paralysis, or lung injury.
Clopidogrel should not be used in pets with certain bleeding tendencies or in pets who are hypersensitive to it.
Giving clopidogrel with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.
Is Clopidogrel FDA-Approved?
Clopidogrel is FDA-approved for human use under the brand name Plavix and the generic clopidogrel.
Clopidogrel is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication. However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isn’t described on the drug label.
Speak with your veterinarian about whether clopidogrel is right for your pet.
Compounded Clopidogrel
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of clopidogrel.
Compounded medications are prescribed, for example, if:
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There’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form
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The dosage strength is not commercially available
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The pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are formulated by your veterinarian and dispensed either by a licensed pharmacist or veterinarian on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs.
How Clopidogrel Works in Dogs and Cats
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication. Platelets exist in the bloodstream to help your body form blood clots and prevent bleeding.
In pets with excessive blood clotting, clopidogrel works to prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots.
How To Give Clopidogrel to Dogs and Cats
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.
Clopidogrel is generally given once a day. Depending on your pet’s condition, a veterinarian may recommend a higher dose on the first day it is administered (this is called a loading dose).
This medication has a bitter taste, and digestive upset is common if given on an empty stomach. Giving clopidogrel with a meal can help to prevent digestive upset with this medication.
Missed a Dose?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of clopidogrel.
Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your pet’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.
Do not give extra or double doses.
Possible Side Effects of Clopidogrel for Dogs and Cats
Clopidogrel is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are rare but may include:
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Vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Diarrhea
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Drooling secondary to the bitter taste (more common in cats)
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Bleeding, which can be seen as red spots on the gums and/or abdomen, blood-tinged urine, or bleeding from a small cut or wound that doesn’t stop on its own
Giving clopidogrel with a meal may alleviate side effects to the digestive system.
Human Side Effects
Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use. Clopidogrel frequently has dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek immediate medical attention in person and call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Monitoring Your Pet
No specific monitoring is required for this medication, but your veterinarian may recommend routine testing depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be prescribed, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication.
When To Call Your Vet
Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following:
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Severe side effects (above)
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Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
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You see or suspect an overdose (i.e., your pet has gotten into the medicine bottle)
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If you have additional questions or concerns about the use of clopidogrel
Clopidogrel Overdose Concerns in Dogs and Cats
Clopidogrel has a wide margin of safety and generally is not considered to be highly toxic, causing mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Large overdoses of this medication, however, can cause bleeding or vomiting, and symptoms may continue for several days. Because this medication affects platelets, a platelet transfusion may be needed in cases of a severe overdose.
If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care and contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
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Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661
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ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435
How To Store Clopidogrel for Dogs and Cats
Keep the following storage tips in mind for this medication:
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Clopidogrel should be stored at controlled room temperatures of 68–77 F (20–25 C) and exposure to temperatures of 59–86 F (15–30 C) is permitted.
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Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light.
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Always confirm storage temperatures by reading the label.
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Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label. Contact your pharmacist with any questions.
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Clopidogrel for Dogs and Cats FAQs
How long does it take for clopidogrel to work in dogs? And in cats?
Studies to evaluate the drug absorption of clopidogrel in dogs and cats have shown that the time it takes for clopidogrel to work in dogs and cats varies depending on the individual pet.
For both species, clopidogrel starts working within a few hours and may even take up to a few days to bind onto platelets and prevent the formation of clots.
Why is my cat foaming at the mouth after taking clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel tablets have a bitter taste, and cats often foam or drool during or after taking the medication. Administering it successfully to cats generally requires wrapping it in Pill Pockets or a treat (like Vetoquinol Pill Wrap) giving it with food, or asking your vet about having it compounded into a gelatin capsule.
What is the alternative to clopidogrel for cats?
An alternative to clopidogrel in cats is aspirin, due to its similar antiplatelet activity that may help prevent blood clots in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a certain type of heart disease.
Is clopidogrel the same as aspirin?
Before clopidogrel was made available on the market as an antiplatelet medication, aspirin was used in certain cases when a pet needed an anti-clotting medication.
Clopidogrel is generally preferred over aspirin since aspirin is associated with significant side effects such as stomach ulcers, severe vomiting, and diarrhea.
A 2015 study has also suggested that clopidogrel used for cats may be safer and more effective at preventing clot formation than aspirin. Clopidogrel is currently recommended instead of aspirin for cats at risk of arterial thromboembolism.
Some pets may have clotting that is severe enough for both medications to be required, but this should only be done at the direction of your veterinarian.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
