Brand Name:
Plavix
Generic Name:
clopidogrel
FDA Drug Classification:
Platelet aggregation inhibitor (prevents platelets from collecting)
Action:
This medication keeps platelets from sticking together and preventing clot formation. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and peripheral artery disease in high risk patients.
It is given by IV in cases of acute stroke or heart attack to try to limit damage.
Adverse Effects:
Possible side effects include:
- skin rash
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, GI bleeding, bleeding
- edema
- hypertension, headache
- dizziness, depression
- back pain
- shortness of breath, chest pain
- intracranial hemorrhage
Precautions:
Use with caution in patients with;
- past liver disease
- pregnancy or breastfeeding mothers
- increased bleeding risk
- neutropenia
- agranulocytosis
Possible Interactions:
- Increased bleeding tendency when used with anitcoagulents, aspirin, NSAIDS, aciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban, thrombolytics, ticlopidine
- Can increase action of drugs including some NSAIDs, phenytoin, tolbutamide, tamoxifen, torsemide, fluvastatin, warfarin
