Drug name: Plavix

Other names used:

Active Ingredients: Clopidogrel

Therapeutic effect of Plavix: Plavix main ingredient is an antiplatelet agent. This medicine is used to prevent clotting of blood in various parts of the body. Plavix selectively prevents the binding of adenosine diphosphate with thrombocyte receptors. This action reduces the platelet’s capacity to adhere to each other, this prevents the formation of blood clots. Once attached to Clopidogrel it would take thrombocyte receptors at least 5 days from the day of cessation of therapy to return to normal state. Plavix also possesses the ability to dilate the coronary artery and effectively prevent the development of atherothrombosis.

Indications: The drug is used in prophylaxis of ischemic heart disease in patients with atherosclerosis:

• Plavix is used to prevent hardening of the arteries that can reduce the heart’s capacity to pump blood.
• To treat severe disease involving the coronary artery with elevated ST interval in combination with acetylsalicylic acid
• To treat the patient who has suffered heart attack
• To treat condition after ischemic insult
• To diagnose disorders related to the peripheral arteries

Precautions and Restrictions: Do not use Plavix if:

• the user has acute liver disease
• the user has severe bleeding in the brain
• the user suffers from ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract
• the user is pregnant
• the user is a breast feeding mother
• the user is below 18 years of age
• the user is highly sensitive to the ingredients of this drug

The drug should be used with caution in:

• kidney or liver disorder
• shock
• post-surgery
• condition related to haemorrhagic disorders
• if the user is planning to undergo surgery in the nearest future

Side effects of Plavix: The use of Plavix may cause some side effects. But not all of the patients will experience them. Some of the potential side effects of Plavix include the following:

• disorder that causes low amount of platelets, granulocyte disorder, bleeding of the conjunctival, presence of red blood cells in urine, collection of blood outside the blood vessels and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
• Problems of the cardiovascular system such as low arterial pressure, inflammatory destruction of blood vessels etc.
• Problems related to the gastrointestinal tract such as swelling in the lining of the stomach, indigestion, stomach ache etc.
• Disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system such as hallucinations, confusion, tingling sensation, lightheadedness and cephalalgia
• Itching and rashes
• Inflammation of the joints and pain in the joints
• Renal disorder where part of a kidney that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged
• Certain allergic reactions such as angioneurotic edema and bronchial spasm
• Other problems such as High Creatinine Levels, elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation, appearance of red or purple discolorations on the skin etc.

The above mentioned list of side effects is by no means exhaustive, so for the complete list of adverse reactions and possible side effects please see the information provided by the drug manufacturer or consult a doctor or a pharmacist.

Interactions: Plavix tablets might react with a drug that you are taking already. In case, you are going to start any new medicine along with Plavix, please consult a physician.

Plavix may react with the following medicines:

• Medicines that prevent clotting of blood
• Drugs used to treat diabetes
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Other anti-platelet medications

Additional Information: Plavix tablets should not be used without prior approval of a trained physician. Do not share these drugs with anybody else. Plavix tablets are made for specific conditions and it’s not advisable to use them for other purposes. Keep medicinal drugs out of the reach of children.