FAQ
1. What is Clopidogrel (Plavix) and what is it used for?
Clopidogrel is a medical drug available to us under the brand name Plavix which belongs to a class of medication called Antiplatelet medication. This medicine works as a blood thinner by preventing platelets(A cell of blood) to form clotting of blood that works as an obstacle to the flow of blood leading to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks or any other conditions. It helps in free and smooth circulation of the blood.
2. When and how to use Clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel is available to us in a form of pill that must be taken by mouth with or without food as per your doctor's prescription. It is usually taken once a day daily. The dosage and length of the treatment is based on your medical condition, response to the treatment and other medicine that you may be taking for the same or different reason. Swallow the tablet whole rather than chewing or crushing it in your mouth as it may release all the drug in your mouth which increases the risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you with a low dose which will increase gradually. Take the medicine daily at the same time to get the most benefits from it. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed as this may also increase the risk of side effects without any improvement in your condition. Discuss all the other medicines that you might be taking along with Clopidogrel for the same or different reasons. Follow the medical prescription carefully and inform your doctor in case of any exception or confusion.
3. What are the side effects of Clopidogrel?
Common side effects observed while medicating with Clopidogrel are upset stomach, easy bruising/bleeding, constipation or diarrhea may occur. Inform your doctor if these conditions persist or get worse. There are also some severe allergic reactions and severe conditions involved with this medication which require immediate medical attention if observed such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, severe dizziness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, uncontrolled bleeding from gums or nose, bloody/black stools, confusion, fever, extreme skin paleness, purple skin patches, fainting, fast heartbeat, sudden severe headache, unusual weakness/tiredness, vomit with blood or that looks like coffee grounds, trouble speaking, vision changes, seizures, yellowing eyes/skin, bloody/red/pink/dark urine, signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine) etc.
4. Is Clopidogrel an effective medicine?
Clopidogrel is considered as one of the most effective medicines that reduces the probability of getting any more episodes of Transient Ischemic Attack(TIA) and strokes. Also taking Clopidogrel has proven to have fewer chances of experiencing side effects and is more effective at preventing stroke when compared with other antiplatelet medicines such as dipyridamole and aspirin.
5. How long does Clopidogrel take to work?
Clopidogrel is a kind of medicine that starts working by stopping the formation of unwanted blood clots within 2 hours after the intake of the medicine. The usage of Clopidogrel is considered as well tolerated with few adverse effects when used for a long term. Ideally, this medicine will be used for 6 months. If the bleeding/bruising does not happen satisfactorily, the medicine could be extended for another 6 months. Easy bleeding proves the proper working of Clopidogrel.
6. What is Clopidogrel used for?
Clopidogrel is used by alone or with aspirin to save you severe or existence-threatening troubles with the coronary heart and blood vessels in people who have had a stroke, coronary heart assault, or extreme chest ache.
7. When should I take Clopidogrel?
You can take clopidogrel at anything time of day you find simplest to recall, but take your doses at the same time of day every day. The majority choose to take it within the morning, as they locate this enables them to recall to take it frequently. You may take the tablet either earlier than or after a meal.
8. What precautions must be taken before using Clopidogrel?
Before starting the medication with Diltiazem, one must inform the doctor regarding allergies related to any component of the medicine, similar drug allergies, or any other allergies as these products may contain some ingredient that causes an allergic reaction inside your body. Tell your doctor if you have any medical history related to liver disease, kidney disease, bleeding conditions, recent surgery, bleeding disease, serious trauma, etc. Use of alcohol may increase the risk of stomach bleeding while medicating with Clopidogrel.
9. Which medicine interacts with Clopidogrel?
Interaction with a medicine generally refers to a change of effectiveness and potential risk that can develop in the body when two or more different drugs come into contact with one another inside the body. Medicines interacting with Clopidogrel include tipranavir. Some products increase the risk of bleeding while medicating with Clopidogrel such as cough and cold products, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diet aids, etc. There are also certain drugs that slow down the removal of drugs or other drugs from the body such as protein pump inhibitors, cimetidine, voriconazole, ticlopidine, fluvoxamine, felbamate, ketoconazole, etc.
10. Is Clopidogrel safe during pregnancy?
Clopidogrel is a kind of medicine that must be used when seriously needed during pregnancy. One must consult the doctor before medicating with Diltiazem during pregnancy. Also, it is unknown whether the components of products get passed on to breast milk or not. Kindly consult the doctor before breastfeeding your baby.
11. Is clopidogrel the same as aspirin?
Aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) are drugs used to forestall blood clusters. Aspirin and Plavix have a place with various medication classes. Plavix is an anticoagulant and Aspirin is a nonsteroidal mitigating drug (NSAID). Aspirin likewise is utilized to lessen fever, and to treat torment and irritation in the body.
12. Is clopidogrel a blood thinner?
Clopidogrel is an enemy of platelet drug, which is a sort of blood more slender, used to forestall strokes, respiratory failures, and demise in high-hazard patients who have had a past stroke, shaky angina, coronary episode, or have fringe blood vessel infection (PAD).
13. What foods should I avoid while taking clopidogrel?
Try not to drink grapefruit juice while taking clopidogrel. Grapefruit juice may build the impacts of your medication, and cause you to drain or wound all the more without any problem.
