Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Generic Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Clopidogrel (Plavix) prevents platelets in your blood from sticking together. This helps prevent the formation of blood clots that can block the flow of blood to your heart and brain and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. You have a condition called acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which includes a variety of conditions related to decreased blood flow to the heart. It prevents platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot. Taking clopidogrel helps prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them.

Clopidogrel Information :

Uses :

An antiplatelet medication or blood thinner called clopidogrel tablets helps keep dangerous blood clots from forming in your blood arteries. This lessens the likelihood that you will have a heart attack or stroke. It is a common medication used to prevent heart attacks.

People with a high risk of heart disease are prescribed clopidogrel tablets. This includes persons who have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke, have irregular heartbeats, have peripheral vascular disease (difficulties with blood circulation caused by narrowing of blood arteries), or have had specific heart treatments like stenting. Additionally, it is used in conjunction with other medications to treat heart attacks and certain forms of chest discomfort associated with the heart (unstable angina).

This medication should be taken at the same time every day, with or without food. Even if you start feeling better, you should continue taking this medication. This medication may raise your risk of heart attack or stroke if you stop taking it.

Precautions & Warnings :

Some people should not take this medication. If you are bleeding from any part of your body, including an ulcer in your stomach or bleeding inside your brain, do not take it. Inform your doctor before taking it if you have ever experienced a blood clotting issue or if you have recently undergone surgery or suffered a significant accident. It might be necessary to temporarily discontinue taking this medication before to scheduled dental or surgical procedures.

Side Effects :

The following is a brief summary of some of the mild side effects that oral Clopidogrel tablets may have. Consult your physician or pharmacist, or review the prescribing information for Clopidogrel oral tablet, to find out about additional mild side effects.

Clopidogrel oral tablet mild side effects that have been documented include

• Bleeding
• Bruising more easily
• Nose bleeds
• Blood in urine or stools (black-colored stools)

Many medications have mild side effects that usually go away in a few days or weeks. Consult your physician or pharmacist, though, if they start to cause you problems.

Interactions :

Clopidogrel can interact with various drugs, altering its efficacy or increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Notable Drug Interactions:

1. Hormonal Contraceptives: Clopidogrel can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Alternative contraceptive methods are recommended.

2. Cyclosporine: Co-administration is contraindicated as it can significantly increase the risk of liver toxicity.

3. Rifampin: May reduce the effectiveness of Clopidogrel.

4. Warfarin: Requires careful monitoring as Clopidogrel can alter its anticoagulant effects.

Always inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before starting Clopidogrel.

Overdose :

If someone has overdosed and is experiencing severe symptoms, such as unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, call 911. If not, immediately contact a poison control center.

Missed Dose : 

Try to take it at the same day every day. Do not double the dose if missed.

Storage :

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.