Clopidogrel
ANTIPLATELETUses of Clopidogrel
- Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug you can take to prevent blood clots. It keeps platelets in your blood from coming together and forming clots.
- Clopidogrel is used to prevent serious life-threatening events like stroke and myocardial infarction in patients with established cardiovascular disease. It is also prescribed for patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (coronary stent insertion) and coronary artery bypass grafting to prevent clot formation and occlusion of the stent or bypass vessels.
- Additionally, it helps prevent serious life-threatening events due to thrombus or embolus formation in patients with peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation.
Side effects of Clopidogrel
- Bleeding- Hematoma, epistaxis (nose bleed), gastrointestinal bleeding, bruising
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
How Clopidogrel works
- Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication.
- It acts by inhibiting the ADP-mediated activation of platelets and thereby prevents the formation of clots. which can cause thrombosis and lead to life-threatening events like stroke or myocardial infarction.
Certified content
Written By
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
B. Pharm, MSc.
Expert Advice
Dosage Forms Available
- Clopidogrel is available for use via oral (Tablet) route.
Age And Dose Restrictions
- It is meant for use by adults only.
Contraindications
- Clopidogrel is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to it, have severe liver dysfunction and active pathological bleeding conditions like peptic ulcer or intracranial haemorrhage (bleeding in the cranial cavity)
Medications To Avoid With This Drug
- Medications which may increase the risk of bleeding like anticoagulants, aspirin, and heparin should be avoided while taking Clopidogrel.
Overdose And Missed Dose
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken if there is a time gap from the subsequent dose. If not, then a routine dosing regimen should be followed
- Overdose of clopidogrel can cause bleeding complications and need to be managed urgently in a hospital setting by platelet transfusion.
Management Of Side Effects
- Take this medicine with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and continue taking it as prescribed. If side effects worsen or persist, consult your doctor for a possible treatment plan adjustment.
Use In Driving And Operating Machinery
- This medicine can cause dizziness. It is not recommended to drive, operate machinery, or do other activities that require mental alertness or coordination after taking this medicine.
Use In Pregnancy And Lactation
- It is not recommended to be used in Pregnant and lactating females.
Caution In Other Conditions
- Caution is advised for its use in patients with Liver and kidney disease. Special precaution is advised for patients who have bleeding disorders like acquired thrombophilia, TTP, etc as clopidogrel use can aggravate these conditions.
Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided when using clopidogrel.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is clopidogrel safe to use in pregnancy?
Clopidogrel is not advised to be taken in pregnancy. Consult your doctor for further advice.
2. How much time does it take clopidogrel to work?
Clopidogrel begins its action within two hours. However, it varies from individual to individual.
3. Is it safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Clopidogrel is not advised to be taken in breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor for further advice.
4. What warnings and precautions should I take while taking clopidogrel?
The warnings and precautions to be followed while taking clopidogrel are; Patients with bleeding disorders like thrombophilia and those with active bleeding disorders should avoid taking this medicine, and Since this medicine is known to cause bleeding, patients should be vigilant about this effect and inform the doctor at the earliest if such a symptom manifests.
5. Should I stop taking clopidogrel if I feel healthy?
No. Clopidogrel should be taken for the prescribed duration.
6. Does clopidogrel affect fertility?
Fertility is unlikely to be affected by clopidogrel.
7. Does clopidogrel increase the risk of bleeding?
Yes. Clopidogrel increases the risk of bleeding and the patient is advised to stay vigilant while using it.
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