Clopidogrel 75Mg Tablets

Clopidogrel, commonly known by its brand name Plavix, is a medication that falls under the category of antiplatelet agents. It is used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by preventing platelets in the blood from clotting. The standard dosage of Clopidogrel for adults is 75mg, taken once daily. This medication is often prescribed to patients who have had a heart attack or stroke, or those with peripheral artery disease, to prevent further cardiovascular events.

Mechanism of Action

Clopidogrel works by inhibiting the activation of platelets, which are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting. When a platelet is activated, it releases chemical signals that attract other platelets, leading to the formation of a blood clot. Clopidogrel blocks the action of a chemical called adenosine diphosphate (ADP), which is involved in platelet activation. By preventing platelets from clotting, Clopidogrel reduces the risk of blood clots forming and causing a heart attack or stroke.

Indications and Usage

Clopidogrel 75mg tablets are indicated for the prevention of various cardiovascular events, including:

1. Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): Clopidogrel is used in patients with ACS, including those with unstable angina or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events.
2. Recent Myocardial Infarction (MI): Patients who have had a recent heart attack (MI) may be prescribed Clopidogrel to prevent another heart attack.
3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Clopidogrel is used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with PAD.
4. Stroke: Patients who have had a stroke may be prescribed Clopidogrel to prevent another stroke.

Dosage and Administration

The standard dosage of Clopidogrel is 75mg, taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Patients should be advised to take Clopidogrel at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in their system.

Contraindications and Warnings

Clopidogrel is contraindicated in patients with active bleeding, such as bleeding ulcers or bleeding in the brain. It is also contraindicated in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to Clopidogrel or other antiplatelet agents. Patients with a history of bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, should use Clopidogrel with caution.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Clopidogrel include:

• Bleeding (e.g., bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Rare but serious side effects of Clopidogrel include:

• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
• neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
• aplastic anemia (low red blood cell count)

Interactions with Other Medications

Clopidogrel may interact with other medications, including:

• Aspirin: Taking Clopidogrel with aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Warfarin: Taking Clopidogrel with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Taking Clopidogrel with PPIs, such as omeprazole, may reduce the effectiveness of Clopidogrel.

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