Which of the following is a common adverse effect of clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots in conditions such as coronary artery disease and after stent placements. One of the common adverse effects associated with clopidogrel is epistaxis, which is the medical term for nosebleeds.

This side effect occurs because clopidogrel works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the ability of blood to clot. As a result, patients on clopidogrel may experience increased bleeding tendencies, and epistaxis is one of the common manifestations due to the delicate blood vessels in the nasal mucosa. It’s important for patients to be aware of this potential side effect, especially if they are involved in activities that may cause nasal trauma or if they have other predisposing factors.

In contrast, options such as weight gain, increased appetite, and skin rash are not typically associated with clopidogrel use. Weight gain and increased appetite are more general symptoms that do not relate specifically to the antiplatelet function of clopidogrel, while skin rash, although possible, is not one of the more frequently documented adverse effects among patients taking this medication. Thus, recognizing epistaxis as a common side effect helps patients and healthcare providers to