Plavix, known by the generic name clopidigrel, is an oral tablet used to prevent or treat several conditions. Because this drug can have serious side effects or interfere with other drug therapies, it's important that people taking Plavix understand how the drug is used and what precautions must be taken to prevent adverse events.
Uses
According to the Plavix consumer information sheet at Drugs.com, this drug is used to prevent blood clots from forming after a cardiac event such as a heart attack. Physicians from the University of Maryland Medical Center outline several uses for Plavix. These include preventing stroke and heart attack, preventing clotting after the placement of a stent in the coronary artery and treating acute coronary syndrome. An off-label use for Plavix is preventing the closure of a coronary artery bypass graft in people who are allergic to aspirin.
Dosing Information
How much Plavix is taken in each dose depends on the reasons the drug is being used. University of Maryland Medical Center physicians recommend a dose of 75mg per day in people who have had a recent stroke or heart attack or have known arterial disease. For people who have acute coronary syndrome, an initial dose of 300mg of Plavix is given. Once this loading dose has been given, patients are advised to take 75mg of Plavix daily in combination with aspirin. If the drug is being used to prevent closure of a coronary artery bypass graft in someone with an allergy to aspirin, a loading dose of 300mg is given six hours after the procedure. The maintenance dose is 50mg to 100mg per day.
Contraindications
Some people should not take Plavix because of existing medical conditions. Because Plavix prevents blood clotting, people with bleeding disorders should not take this drug. According to Epocrates, Plavix is contraindicated in people who have active bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding and gastrointestinal ulcers. People with liver and kidney problems should not take Plavix. If a surgical procedure is planned, Plavix should be discontinued at least five days before the procedure to prevent excess bleeding. Anyone who has a known hypersensitivity to Plavix or its components should avoid taking this drug.
Drug Interactions
Some drug dosages may need to be adjusted during treatment with Plavix. Physicians from the University of Maryland Medical Center indicate that Lipitor (atorvastatin) can reduce the effectiveness of Plavix, so their combined use should be monitored. Antibiotics classified as macrolides can also reduce the effectiveness of Plavix. Patients taking erythromycin and clarithromycin should be monitored carefully. Use with thrombolytics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase bleeding. Use caution when taking Plavix with these drugs.
Side Effects
Like many other drugs, Plavix can have serious or minor side effects. According to Drugs.com, serious side effects include bloody or tarry stools, nosebleed that will not stop, bloody vomit, chest pain, sweating, nausea, sudden numbness, easy bruising and bleeding, sudden weakness and urinating more or less than usual. Seek medical attention if any of these serious side effects occur. Less serious side effects include stomach pain, dizziness, headache, runny nose, cough and sore throat.
