Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots.
Why is this medication
prescribed ?
Clopidogrel is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients at risk for these problems. Clopidogrel is in a class of medications called antiplatelet drugs. It works by helping to prevent harmful blood clots.
How should this medicine
be used ?
Clopidogrel comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take clopidogrel, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clopidogrel exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take clopidogrel even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clopidogrel without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions
i should follow ?
Before taking clopidogrel, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clopidogrel or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); fluvastatin (Lescol); phenytoin (Dilantin); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); tolbutamide (Orinase); and torsemide (Demadex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; any stomach problems, including ulcers; or bleeding in the brain. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clopidogrel, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clopidogrel.
What special dietary
instructions should i follow ?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can
this medicine cause ?
Clopidogrel may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: excessive tiredness headache dizziness upset stomach stomach pain diarrhea constipation nosebleed Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: black and tarry stools red blood in stools bloody vomit vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds unusual bleeding or bruising fever, sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection slow or difficult speech weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg vision loss Clopidogrel may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions
are needed for this medication ?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information
should i know ?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your bodys response to clopidogrel. Clopidogrel prevents blood from clotting, so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What should i do if i
forget a dose ?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
