It is a drug based on clopidogrel bisulfate. Its main function is to prevent the formation of blood clots. Doctors assign this medicine in acute coronary syndrome, as well as after the transfer of MI or stroke to prevent the development of atherothrombosis. The duration of the course of treatment and the daily therapeutic dosage is prescribed by the doctor individually. To use Plavix patients should strictly according to the instructions.
Tablets belong to the category of antiplatelet agents and antithrombotic drugs. The main active substance of the drug, effectively suppresses platelet aggregation, providing an irreversible modification of their ADP receptors. Deceleration of ADP-induced platelet aggregation occurs after the first administration of a daily dosage of 75 mg of the drug. During repeated similar doses, this effect is strengthened and stabilized between the third and seventh day of the therapeutic course. At this stage, the degree of inhibition of platelet aggregation can vary and is approximately 40-60%. Five days after the termination of the treatment course, platelet aggregation returns to its original level. The active substance is rapidly absorbed when taking both single and multiple daily doses equal to 75 mg of the drug. Its maximum concentration in plasma is achieved, on average, 45 minutes after admission.
In the liver, an extensive metabolism of the substance occurs - this can occur with the participation of esterases or enzymes of cytochrome P450. It is excreted from the body of this preparation approximately 120 hours after administration - about 50% through the kidneys, and another 46% along with the feces.
In what kind of disease treatment Plavix is helpful?
The most important indication for the use of the drug Plavix is the prevention of atherothrombosis in patients who suffer from acute coronary syndrome. These tablets are usually prescribed in the following cases:
• after the transfer of acute MI;
• in unstable angina;
• in subendocardial MI;
• in the development of atherothrombotic complications after a stroke or MI;
• in occlusive disease of peripheral arteries.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Plavix?
Use of tablets is contraindicated in the following conditions:
• individual intolerance to the main active ingredient or ancillary components;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• severe hepatic impairment;
• acute bleeding.
How should I take Plavix?
Eating does not affect the time of taking the drug. There are some features of the dose at the initial stage, but these moments are controlled by a cardiologist.
Dosage information
Adult patients with peripheral arterial diseases, as well as MI and ischemic strokes, are prescribed a daily intake of one tablet (75 mg), regardless of food intake. The optimal duration of the treatment course is assigned by the doctor on an individual basis. In most cases, patients who underwent MI receive a course duration of 25 days. After a stroke, as a rule, patients take these pills for a week.
After the procedure of coronary stenosis, as well as in coronary syndrome without raising the segment of ST, the initial therapeutic Plavix dosage is 300 mg. Subsequently, patients are prescribed 75 mg - that is, there is one tablet per day. The duration of the course of therapy can be from three months to one year.
The drug should be taken every day strictly at a certain time. If the dose was missed, you need to do the nexy:
• if 12 hours have elapsed since the prescribed time of taking the tablet, it is necessary to take it immediately, as soon as the patient remembers it;
• if the interval exceeds 12 hours, you just need to take the next pill at the appointed time - to compensate for the missed dose by doubling the next one in this case is not necessary.
Also it is important to consult with a doctor about dosage if you buy Generic Plavix online.
What may interact with Generic Plavix?
When taking this medication, you need to be careful with taking other medications, since many of them affect its effectiveness.
Anticoagulants - a group of drugs, which by pharmacological action is similar to the action of it. Simultaneous reception may increase the risk of bleeding.
Aspirin. One of the effects of acetylsalicylic acid is an antiaggregant effect. Taking aspirin can also increase the chance of bleeding, so be careful with this combination.
Heparin. Possible pharmacodynamic interaction due to the similarity of the effects obtained. When sharing with Plavix, you should be careful.
One of the side effects of NSAIDs is a damaging effect on the stomach. With the simultaneous administration with anti-inflammatory drugs, the likelihood of gastrointestinal bleeding is much increased.
Drugs affecting the work of the liver and its enzymes. The action of medication in the body is due to the process of its transformation into the liver into another substance. Any drugs that can influence this process will also have an effect on the action of Plavix - they will weaken or intensify the antiaggregant effect.
Antacids - drugs used for heartburn.
Proton pump inhibitors are drugs used to treat stomach ulcers. Allowed to take it with pantoprazole.
Other drugs, in particular, cardiac diuretics, β-adrenoreceptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists. With the simultaneous administration no significant side effects were observed.
What should I watch for while taking Plavix?
Due to the fact that at present there is no information on the effect of the main substance on the course of pregnancy and the quality of breast milk, it is not possible to apply the drug to pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Inform your doctor about health condition during therapy and read carefully instruction if you buy Plavix without prescription.
What side effects may I notice from Plavix?
In some cases, patients may experience Plavix side effects that affect various body systems. The most common are such phenomena as:
•hematomas;
•bleeding from the nasal passages;
•subcutaneous hemorrhage;
•bleeding in the area of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, dyspepsia and pain in the abdominal area.
Much less likely to occur:
•thrombocytopenia;
•lakopenia;
•eosinophilia;
•neutropenia;
•bleeding in the field of vision;
•dizziness and headache;
•intracranial hemorrhage;
•gastritis;
•stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
•flatulence;
•constipation;
•skin rash and itching.
Where can I keep Plavix?
Keep this drug in its original packaging, placing it in a dry and dark place. The drug should not be available to children.
