Plavix (Clopidogrel) 75 mg

Indication

Plavix contains Clopidogrel, a thienopyridine antiplatelet agent used to prevent atherothrombotic events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, established peripheral arterial disease, or acute coronary syndrome.

Ingredients

• Clopidogrel 75 mg

Direction

Adults: 75 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food. For acute coronary syndrome, a loading dose (300–600 mg) may be prescribed by the physician, followed by 75 mg daily.

Side effects

• Common: haemorrhage (bruising
• nosebleed
• gastrointestinal bleeding).
• Common: diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• dyspepsia.
• Uncommon: gastric ulcer
• thrombocytopenia.
• Rare: Thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP) — seek immediate medical attention.
• Rare: severe skin reactions
• anaphylaxis.

Precautions

• Contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding (e.g.
• peptic ulcer
• intracranial haemorrhage).
• Contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
• Increased risk of bleeding
• use with caution in patients at risk of bleeding.
• Avoid concomitant use with omeprazole or esomeprazole (reduces clopidogrel efficacy).
• Caution with NSAIDs
• oral anticoagulants
• and other antiplatelet agents.
• Discontinue 5–7 days before elective surgery.
• CYP2C19 poor metabolisers may have reduced efficacy.