Drug Name

Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Drug Uses

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

How to use

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

Drug Class and Mechanism

Clopidogrel is an anti-platelet medication, that is, a capsule 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 running. 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 individuals with a recent history of stroke or heart attack and persons 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 hurt during the legs upon walking). Clopidogrel is using to decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes during these persons. 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 dosage, skip the missed serving and taken only the next regularly scheduled dosage. Not accept a double serving of this tablet.

Storage

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

Warnings/Precautions

Say your doc and dentist that you are take this pellet until having any surgical procedures. Not accept 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 pills (NSAIDs) without first talking to your medico. It possibly accept longer than usual for you to stop bleeding, even from minor wounds. Say your Dr. around any peculiar bleeding or bruising that you experiment. Studies during rats have shown that clopidogrel appears during chest milk; however, it is no aware whether it likewise appears during human chest milk. Because of a potential for side results during the nursing infant, the doc necessary weigh the potential advantages and perhaps risks until prescribing clopidogrel during nursing mothers.

Possible Side Effects

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

    * 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, ache spreading to the arm or shoulder, sicchasia, sweating, general ill feeling;
    * sudden numbness or weakness, notably 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 consequences possible involve pruritus.
This is no a full list of side actions and others possible happen.

More Information

Your pharmacist may provide  information approximately Plavix.