Plavix (Clopidogrel)

Brand name: Plavix

Generic Name : Clopidogrel bisulfate

Manufacturer : Sanofi-Synthelabo

Medicine Category : Antiplatelet
Class: Antithrombotic; platelet aggregation inhibitor , ADP blocker

Packing / Presentation :

Tab 75 mg x 14 's

FDA Pregnant Category :

Category B : Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a fetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the first trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding :

Consult doctor for advice

Breast-feeding while taking this drug is not recommended.

General Information :

This medication is prescribed for

1. To reduce the risk of repeat problems (events) caused by clogging of the arteries (atherosclerosis) such as  heart attack or stroke. (Used for patients who have had a coronary stent implanted.,used for patients who have had a heart attack or stroke and patients who have a blood circulation problem.)

2. used for blood thinning after placement of a vascular stent.

3.helps prevent cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, cardiovascular death, or stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Clopidogrel drug thins the blood by making platelets (the cells that aggregate to form clot ) slippery and discourages formation of clots.

Tell your doctor if you have :

- Problems including ulcers and liver disease

- Type of bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia).

- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

- High blood pressure.

- General surgery including dental surgery You should discontinue the drug 7 days before any kind of surgery.

- A history of liver problems.

- A low white blood cell count.

Driving and Hazardous activities :

Not recommended.

Infant and children :

Not recommended. Safety and efficacy not evaluated.

Over 60 years old :

No special problems expected.

Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late.

If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don’t double this dose).

Overdose:

Difficulty breathing, vomiting, exhaustion, stomach or intestinal bleeding.

Side effect and allegic reaction

More common side effects :

Abdominal pain,chest pain, bronchitis, coughing, depression, itching, diarrhea, difficulty breathing,urinary tract infection chest pain, dizziness,nausea, fatigue, sneezing, fluid retention and swelling, flu symptoms, headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, indigestion, back pain, inflammation of the nasal passages , joint pain, pain, purple discoloration of skin,spots on skin, rash, upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness, joint pain, black-and-blue marks, and respiratory infection., bleeding, bruises, cough,heartburn, muscle aches, runny nose, , upset stomach., accidents, flu-like symptoms.

Less common side effects :

Anemia, anxiety, arthritis, bruising and bleeding under the skin, cataracts, constipation, fainting, , sinus inflammation,nosebleeds, heart problems,tiredness,urinary infection, and depression. hernia, bleeding, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat, skin irritationselling, joint disease,insomnia, leg cramps, loss of sensitivity to touch, nosebleed, pinkeye,skin problems, stomach and intestinal bleeding, skin tingling, vomiting, pneumonia, high blood cholesterol, breathing difficultiesweakness,gout,bloody vomit, vomiting, urinary difficulty weakness, bronchitis , sleep disorders, coughing ,swollen arms or legs, high blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea, nosebleeds, runny nose, , shortness of breath, tiredness,diarrhea, numbness,fainting, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain, tingling.

Rare common side effects :

swelling of the face and throat and difficulty breathing, bleeding in the brain and stomach ulcer.decreased circulation in the skin,Black stools, chills, blood urine, decreased white blood cell counts,fever, mouth sores, excessive menstrual flow, , weakness,liver problems, stomach ulcers, unusual or excessive bleeding, sore throat, stomach pain

Food Interaction :

Clopidogrel may be taken without regard to food or meals.

Drug Interaction :

Aspirin, Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), Fluvastatin (Lescol), Heparin, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs  (NSAIDs) such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and Naprosyn, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Tolbutamide (Orinase), Torsemude (Demadex), Warfarin (Coumadin), Antacids, Enzyme inhibitors, Xanthines

Update JAN 16 ,2009