Common use
Specifically and actively inhibits the aggregation of platelets (clotting) and dilates coronary vessels. Plavix is used to diminish the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots. This risk is increased in patients with a recent history of stroke, heart attack, and peripheral vascular disease. It is used to prevent ischemic disorders like myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombosis of peripheral arteries, and others.
Dosage and direction
Plavix should be taken once a day with or without food.
Precautions
As Plavix belongs to ‘blood thinners,’ avoid taking it with aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if your doctor did not recommend you to do so. Contact your doctor if you discover black or bloody stools, vomit that is similar to coffee grounds, or if you cough up blood.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, severe liver failure, acute bleeding, ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis, and other diseases predisposing to bleeding, pregnancy, breastfeeding, neonatal period. Caution should be exercised in patients with moderate liver or kidney failure.
Possible side effect
Bleeding in the stomach or guts, hemorrhagic stroke, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, constipation, ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, allergy.
Drug interaction
The combination of Plavix with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause a risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding, the same as high concentration of Plavix increases the concentration of Coumadin if they are used concurrently and can lead to excessive bleeding.
Missed dose
Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time for the next dose, just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.
Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose are vomiting, feeling exhausted or shortness of breath, and signs of blood in your stools or vomit, diarrhea, rash, itching. In case of serious manifestation of these adverse reactions, call your doctor immediately.
Storage
Store Plavix tablets and capsules at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Disclaimer
We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your healthcare adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim the reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.