Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Clopidogrel
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine and Clopidogrel: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Carbamazepine induces CYP enzymes and may increase conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite, strengthening platelet inhibition. This could raise bleeding risk. Carbamazepine concentrations may also be affected by other factors, but the main concern is enhanced antiplatelet effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Clopidogrel can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 (and other CYPs) increases bioactivation of clopidogrel to its active thiol metabolite.
What to do
Monitor for bleeding and bruising when the combination is used. Consider an alternative anticonvulsant if bleeding risk is high.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Clopidogrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine and Clopidogrel can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbamazepine induces CYP enzymes and may increase conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite, strengthening platelet inhibition. This could raise bleeding risk. Carbamazepine concentrations may also be affected by other factors, but the main concern is enhanced antiplatelet effect.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Clopidogrel?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for bleeding and bruising when the combination is used. Consider an alternative anticonvulsant if bleeding risk is high.
What other medicines interact with Clopidogrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clopidogrel with, for example, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Abrocitinib, Acetylsalicylic acid. The full list is on the Clopidogrel page.
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