Heart Disease - Klopidogrel (Brand name: plavix)

Common use

Specifically and actively inhibits aggregation of platelets (clotting) and dilatates coronary vessels. Plavix is used to diminish the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots is increased in patients with a recent history of stroke, heart attach and peripheral vascular disease. It is used to prevent ischemic disorders like myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombosis of peripheral arteries and others.

Dosage and direction

Plavix should be taken once a day with or without food.

Precautions

As Plavix belongs to 'blood thinners' avoid taking it with aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if your doctor did not recommend you to do it. Contact your doctor if you discovered that you have black or bloody stools, vomit that is similar to coffee grounds or if you cough up blood.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, severe liver failure, acute bleeding, ulcer of stomach or duodenum, ulcerous colitis, tuberculosis and other diseases predisposing to bleeding, pregnancy, breastfeeding, neonatal period. Caution should be exercised in patients with moderate liver of kidney failure.

Possible side effect

Bleeding in stomach or guts, hemorrhagic stroke, neuropenia, thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, constipation, ulcers in gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, allergy.

Drug interaction

The combination of Plavix with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding the same as high concentration of Plavix increase concentration of Coumadin if they are used concurrently and lead to excessive bleeding.

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Symptoms of a overdose are vomiting, feeling exhausted or shortness of breath, and signs of blood in your stools or vomit, diarrhea, rush, itching. In case of serious manifestation of these adverse reactions call your doctor immediately.

Storage

Store Plavix tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Please find the full description of Plavix at Drugs.com and general information at Wikipedia