Drug Name

Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Drug Uses

Clopidogrel is use to prophylaxis strokes and heart attacks during individuals who are at high risk. During one big study, clopidogrel was  effective than aspirin during reducing heart attacks. The frequency of side results of clopidogrel was alike to aspirin; however, belly and intestinal bleeding probably occurs less most with clopidogrel than with aspirin.

How to use

Accept clopidogrel exactly as send by your doc. If you no understand these manual, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or physician to explain them to you. Taken each dosage with a complete glass of humidity. Clopidogrel may be accept with or without eat.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet tablet, that is, a pellet that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. It is alike to ticlopidine (Ticlid) during chemical structure and during the way it runs. Unlike ticlopidine, clopidogrel does do not cause severe reductions of white cells during the blood and, therefore, routine blood testing to determine if the white blood cell count is low is do not must in treatment. The risk of heart attacks and strokes (which generally are due by blood clots) is extended during persons with a recent history of stroke or heart attack and individuals with peripheral vascular disease. (Peripheral vascular disease is the same as atherosclerotic arterial disease or "strengthening" of the arteries during which the arteries get narrowed. It frequently occurs during the legs and most causes claudication or ache during the legs upon walking). Clopidogrel is use to decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes during these individuals. Clopidogrel was approved by the FDA during 1997.

Missed Dose

Taken the missed dosage as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next serving, skip the missed serving and accept only the next regularly scheduled serving. Not accept a double serving of this pellet.

Storage

Capsules is to be store at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F), far from humidity and warmth.

Warnings/Precautions

Say your Dr. and dentist that you are take this pill until having any surgical procedures. No taken aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pellets (NSAIDs) without first talking to your doc. It possible accept longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Say your physician around any peculiar bleeding or bruising that you practice. Studies during rats have shown that clopidogrel appears during chest milk; however, it is do not aware whether it likewise appears during human chest milk. Because of a potential for side actions during the nursing infant, the doctor necessary weigh the potential advantages and possibly risks until prescribing clopidogrel during nursing mothers.

Possible Side Effects

Become emergency med help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Plavix: hives; difficulty breathing; edema of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. Stop use Plavix and call your Dr. at once if you have any of these severe side consequences:

    * nosebleed or other bleeding that will no stop;
    * bloody or tarry stools, blood during your urine;
    * coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds;
    * breast hurt or heavy feeling, hurt spreading to the arm or shoulder, queasiness, sweating, general ill feeling;
    * sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body;
    * sudden headache, confusion, woe with vision, speech, or balance;
    * pale skin, weakness, fever, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
    * easy bruising, peculiar bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

Less severe Plavix side results possible involve itchiness.
This is no a full list of side actions and others possible happen.

More Information

Your pharmacist may provide most information around Plavix.