Plavix
clopidogrel
Plavix is used for the prevention of blood clots, thereby reducing the effects of heart attacks, or strokes in people who have already faced them. Plavix is also useful in reducing the chance of heart attack or strokes in people belonging to risk groups.
Checklists
It is advisable to tell the doctor, if you suffer from the following conditions,
- Bleeding disorder or hemophilia
- Liver dysfunction or disease
- Recent surgery or trauma
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Allergic reaction to clopidogrel
- Foods, dyes, or preservatives allergy
- Pregnant or trying for pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
Drug Administration
Plavix can be taken orally along with one full glass of water. Plavix dosage should be stringently followed.
Drug Interaction
Some of the drugs that interact with Plavix include:
- Aspirin
- Anti coagulants like warfarin or enoxaparin
- Anti inflammatory NSAID's drugs like ibuprofen
- Cilostazol
- Dipyridamole
- DHEA
- Doxercalciferol
- Feverfew
- Fish oil or products that contain omega-3 fatty acids supplements
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginkgo biloba
- Horse chestnut
- Fluvastatin
- Phenytoin
- Prasterone
- Ramelteon
- Tamoxifen
- Ticlopidine
- Tolbutamide
- Torsemide
Precautions
It is wise to inform your health care professional regarding all the medication you take in order to design the drug according to your body requirement.
Full drug course should be completed even if you feel well during the treatment unless your doctor asks you to stop the medication.
During the course of Plavix, you might bleed quite unusually and it is wise to inform the doctor if the blood clotting requires more than the usual time.
Consult your doctor if you take non prescription drug or counter drugs for any other ailment.
You also should not take aspirin or aspirin related drug like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen like Aleve when you are administering clopidogrel.
Plavix Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Plavix include:
- Black color stools
- Blood in vomiting
- Blood in urine or stools
- Bleeding in the nose
- Reddish or purplish spots on the skin
- Skin rashes
- Skin itching
- Stomach ache
Some of the rare side effects include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Swallowing difficulty
- Hoarseness
- Throat tightening
- Fever
- Sudden weakness
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
- Unusual bleeding or bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin
- Unusual rashes, allergic reaction, or hives
- Unusual heavy menstrual bleeding
Some of the mild side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion (heartburn)
- Mild stomach upset
Drug Storage
Plavix is stored at temperatures between 20 to 25 degree Celsius. Storage temperature between 15 to 30 degree Celsius is also broadly accepted. Plavix should be stored away from direct heat, sunlight and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
