Clopidogrel is a drug to prevent blockage of blood vessels and help improve blood circulation, so this drug can reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. Clopidogrel can be used as a single drug or in combination with other drugs.
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug that works by preventing platelets or blood platelet cells from sticking together and forming blood clots. This medicine is generally used to prevent stroke or heart attack in people who have already experienced it, but it can also be used in new cases.
Clopidogrel trademarks: Agrelano, Artepid, Clogin, Clopid, Copidrel, Clopidrogel Bisulfate, Lopigard, Pidovix, Placta, Pladogrel, Platogrix, Plavesco, Plavix, Quagrel, Simclovix, Therodel
What is Clopidogrel?
Warnings Before Consuming Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel should not be taken carelessly. There are several things you should pay attention to before consuming this medicine, namely:
- Do not take clopidogrel if you have an allergy to this medicine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using clopidogrel because it can increase the risk of gastric bleeding.
- Do not consume fruit or grapefruit juice while taking clopidogrel because it can reduce the effectiveness of this drug.
- Do not stop taking clopidogrel without first consulting a cardiologist.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or are currently suffering from stomach ulcers , bleeding in the eyes, brain, or gastrointestinal tract, liver disease, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia .
- If you plan to undergo dental treatment or surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking clopidogrel. This drug should be stopped at least 5 days before the operation.
- Clopidogrel can make bleeding more difficult to stop. Therefore, be careful when using sharp objects, and avoid sports that involve physical combat, such as football or boxing.
- Tell your doctor if you are using other drugs, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergy or overdose after consuming clopidogrel.
Dosage and Administration of Clopidogrel
The following is the dose of clopidrogel that is generally recommended by doctors:
- For the treatment of angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction ( NSTEMI ), the initial dose is 300 mg, once a day. After the patient's condition is stable, the doctor will give a treatment dose of 75 mg, once a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.
- For the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the initial dose is 300 mg, once a day (can change depending on the patient's condition). The treatment dose is 75 mg, 1 time a day. The administration of clopidogrel for this condition can be combined with 75-325 mg of aspirin , once a day.
- In patients who have recently experienced an ischemic stroke or heart attack or have been newly diagnosed with peripheral artery disease , the dose is 75 mg, 1 time per day.
How to Consume Clopidogrel Correctly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the packaging when using clopidogrel.
Clopidogrel can be consumed before or after meals, but try to consume it at the same time every day to get the maximum benefit from this medicine.
If you forget to take clopidrogel, immediately take this medicine if it is not close to the next scheduled consumption. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Store clopidogrel in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Interactions of Clopidogrel with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if clopidrogel is used together with certain medications:
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with aspirin, anticoagulants , antiplatelets, NSAIDs , COX-2 inhibitors , thrombolytics, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, SSRI antidepressants , or SNRIs
- Decreased effect of clopidogrel if used with esomeprazole, omeprazole , fluvoxamine, moclobemide, voriconazole, ticlopidine, carbamazepine , or efavirenz
- Increased risk of side effects of repaglinide or paclitaxel
- Decreased absorption of clopidogrel if used with opioid drugs, such as morphine
Side Effects and Dangers of Clopidogrel
Side effects that may appear after consuming clopidogrel are:
- Diarrhea
- Easy to bruise or bleed
- Bleeding is difficult to stop
- Constipation
- Burning sensation in the chest ( heartburn )
- Stomach pain
Check with your doctor if the side effects do not improve or get worse. See a doctor immediately in the event of a serious drug allergic reaction or side effect, such as:
- Bleeding from wounds, bleeding gums that do not stop, or spontaneous bleeding, such as a nosebleed
- Vomit blood
- Coughing blood
- Bleeding CHAPTER
- Bloody urine or hematuria
- Yellowing of the skin or the white part of the eye (sclera) or jaundice
- Feeling very tired all the time
- Signs of infection, such as fever or sore throat