Drug Interaction Report

Clopidogrel and Clove Oil: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Clopidogrel and Clove Oil interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Clopidogrel

Plavix Plavix®
+

Clove Oil

No brand names on record
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 359 documented Clopidogrel interactions, 115 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Increased risk of bleeding

Interaction Deep Dive

Theoretically, the antiplatelet effect of clove oil may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet agents13. Eugenol and acetyl eugenol in clove oil inhibit platelet aggregation through inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase production 2456.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Cyclooxygenase inhibition by clove oil

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) Clove oil inhibited human platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, collagen and platelet activating factor in a dose-dependent manner, but did not affect aggregation induced by ADP. Additionally, clove oil reduced mortality in rabbits injected with arachidonic acid or platelet activating factor. When compared to IC50 levels for aspirin the antiplatelet effects of clove oil were found to be 20 to 40 times greater. Injection of arachidonic acid or platelet activating factor causes sudden death in rabbits due to formation of occlusive platelet aggregates in the lung microvasculature. This effect can be prevented by pretreatment with 50 milligrams/kilogram (mg/kg) of aspirin. In this study, pretreatment of rabbits with 50 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of clove oil also reduced sudden death induced by arachidonic acid or platelet activating factor 2.

Common questions

Can I take Clopidogrel and Clove Oil together?

Increased risk of bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Clopidogrel and Clove Oil interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Clopidogrel or Clove Oil need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (6)

  1. Norred CL & Brinker F: Potential coagulation effects of preoperative complementary and alternative medicines. Alt Ther 2001; 7(6):58-67.
  2. Saeed SA & Gilani AH: Antithrombotic activity of clove oil. J Pak Med Assoc 1994; 44:112-115.
  3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, & Phillipson JD: Herbal MedicinesNewall CA, Anderson LA, & Phillipson JD: Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals, The Pharmaceutical Press, London, England, 1996.
  4. Srivastava KC: Antiplatelet principles from a food spice clove (Syzgium-Aromaticum L). Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1993; 48:363-372. DOI
  5. Srivastava KC & Malhotra N: Acetyl eugenol, a component of oil of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum L.) inhibits aggregation and alters arachidonic acid metabolism in human blood platelets. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1991; 42:73-81. PubMed
  6. Srivastava KC & Justesen U: Inhibition of platelet aggregation and reduced formation of thromboxane and lipoxygenase products in platelets by oil of cloves. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1987; 29:11-18. PubMed
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Clopidogrel

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Clove Oil

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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Clopidogrel + Activated Charcoal Danshen Grapefruit Piracetam St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Aconite Adrafinil + 301 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.