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Plagrol Tablet

Generic Name(s): Clopidogrel

Why it's used

Plagrol Tablet is used to reduce the rate of stroke and heart attack. It is a prescription medicine. This medicine works by preventing the blood clot formation. Plagrol is also used to treat poor circulation in the legs (peripheral arterial disease) and chest pain due to heart problems. It is also used to prevent conditions like irregular heartbeat and sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart.
Plagrol Tablet may also be taken in combination with other medicines to treat certain conditions as recommended by the doctor. Plagrol Tablet is used together with Aspirin to lower the chances of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.
Antiplatelet
Plagrol belongs to a class of medicines called Antiplatelet. An antiplatelet drug is used for the treatment and prevention of heart attacks, stent thrombosis, and stroke caused by a blood clot. These medicines decrease the ability of platelets to stick together and hence reduce the formation of blood clots.

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How to use

Read the directions on the product label, patient guide, or medicine guide provided by the medicine company or your pharmacist before starting to use Plagrol Tablet. If you have any questions related to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Eat this medicine as recommended by your doctor.
Plagrol Tablet is eaten with or without food.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Plagrol is 75 mg/day. Plagrol is commonly used at the same time every day. This medicine is not known to be habit-forming.
This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis. You should continue to use this medicine as directed by the doctor even if you feel well.

Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor if your condition worsens. Tell your doctor if blood in the urine, black colored stools, vomiting with blood, and blood clot formation. You should consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Plagrol.
When stopping this medicine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as heart attack, and stroke.

Use in Children

The safety and effectiveness of using Plagrol Tablet in children has not been established. This medicine does not work in children.

Storage

You should store Plagrol Tablet at room temperature 25° C (77° F), away from moisture, and away from light. Store the medicine away from the reach of children and pets.
Medicines may be prescribed for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. Do not use Plagrol Tablet for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Plagrol Tablet to other people who might have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. Self-medication may harm them.

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How to take Plagrol

The dose and frequency of using Plagrol will depend on the following factors:
  • age of the patient
  • medicines recommended by the doctor
  • any other medicines being used
  • herbal supplements being used

Plagrol Dosage

Dosage for irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

Adult
  • Recommended: 75 mg/day

Dosage for blood flow reduction to the heart

Adult
  • Recommended: 75 mg once daily
  • Initial: 300 mg loading dose
  • Maximum: acute coronary syndrome

Dosage for heart attack

Adult
  • Recommended: 75 mg once daily

Dosage for stroke

Adult
  • Recommended: 75 mg once daily

Dosage for poor blood circulation in the legs

Adult (peripheral arterial disease)
  • Recommended: 75 mg once daily

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 75 mg, and 300 mg
Tablet, Film coated
Strength: 75 mg, and 300 mg

Missed Dose

A missed dose should be taken as early as you remember it. However, if the time for the next dose is almost there, then the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be continued. Avoid taking a repeated dose to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Plagrol?
No specific antidote is available for the Plagrol. In the case of overdose, another alternative method called platelet transfusion may be used to reverse the effects (prolonged bleeding time) of Plagrol.
Symptoms of an overdose of Plagrol
If you use too much of this medicine, it could lead to dangerous levels of the medicine in your body. In such cases, symptoms of an overdose may include:
If you think you have overdosed on Plagrol Tablet, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Plagrol

Before you use Plagrol, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • allergic to Plagrol
  • bleeding problems
  • bleeding within the brain
  • kidney disease
  • plan to have surgery and dental procedures
  • severe liver disease
  • stomach ulcers
Use of Plagrol in these existing conditions may lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
Before you use Plagrol Tablet, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or prasugrel.
Before having surgery during the use of Plagrol, discuss with your doctor and dentist about the medicinal products you use including prescription/non-prescription/herbal medicines.

Seizures

Plagrol Tablet may cause rarely seizures in some people. If you perform any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you (or others), you should discuss with your doctor.

Use in Pregnancy

The use of Plagrol during pregnancy should only be when required. Plagrol should be used in pregnancy only if it is needed because no adequate and well-controlled studies have been carried out.

Use while Breastfeeding

Consult with your doctor on the use of Plagrol Tablet during breastfeeding. It is unknown whether Plagrol passes into the breast milk.

Use while Conceiving

Consult with your doctor on the use of Plagrol, if you are trying to conceive. It is unknown whether this medicine will harm the unborn baby.

Increased Risks

This medicine may cause bleeding in the stomach. Regular use of tobacco or alcohol while using this medicine can increase your risk. Discuss with your doctor if you smoke and drink alcohol regularly.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Plagrol to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Plagrol should be used in pregnancy only if it is needed because no adequate and well-controlled studies have been carried out.

Breastfeeding

Consult with doctor
Warning: It is unknown whether Plagrol passes into the breast milk.

Younger Adults Population

No Known Risk
Warning: The safety and effectiveness of Plagrol in children have not been confirmed.

Older Adults Population

No Known Risk
Warning: The use of Plagrol with aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding in elderly patients.

Plagrol Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Plagrol Tablet. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
Rarely, the use of Plagrol Tablet may cause the following side-effects:
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Plagrol Tablet:
  • Stomach and intestinal disorders (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: inflammation of the large intestine (colitis), inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis), painful swelling and sores inside the mouth, bleeding behind the peritoneum space (retroperitoneal hemorrhage) stomach ulcers
  • Immune system disorders
    Symptoms: life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylactoid reactions) allergic reaction to an injection of foreign protein
  • Symptoms: tightening of the muscles of the lungs (bronchospasm), inflammation within the lungs (interstitial pneumonitis), build-up of white blood cells in the lungs (eosinophilic pneumonia), coughing up of blood (haemoptysis) bleeding from the lung (pulmonary hemorrhage)
  • Blood vessel disorders
    Symptoms: inflammation of a blood vessel (vasculitis), low blood pressure bleeding (haemorrhage) after surgical procedure
  • Bone disorders
    Symptoms: bleeding into joint spaces (haemarthrosis)
  • Blood and lymphatic system disorders (possibly fatal)
    Symptoms: deficiency of granulocytes in the blood, deficiency of blood cells (aplastic anemia), deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (pancytopenia), clot formation in the small blood vessels, life-threatening blood disorder (acquired hemophilia A), low count of thrombocytes in the blood, low count of neutrophils in the blood, decreased number of white blood cells high levels of eosinophils in the blood
  • Liver disorders
    Symptoms: acute liver failure, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) blood creatinine increased
  • Brain related disorders
    Symptoms: confusion, hallucinations bleeding inside the brain (intracranial bleeding)
  • Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Symptoms: skin allergic reaction caused by infection (erythema multiforme), life-threatening drug-induced skin reaction, swelling in the lower layer of skin, drug induced life-threatening allergic reaction, fluid-filled blisters on the skin (bullous dermatitis) severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)
  • Heart disorders
    Symptoms: chest pain or heart attack due to allergic reaction (kounis syndrome)
Your doctor has prescribed Plagrol Tablet because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Plagrol Tablet.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Plagrol by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
Contact your doctor immediately after the appearance of allergic symptoms.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Use of NSAIDs

Patients using NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) with Plagrol may increase the risk of bleeding. Such patients should take necessary precautions while using NSAIDs with Plagrol especially during the first weeks of therapy.

Use of Oral Anticoagulants

Patients who are taking Plagrol with oral anticoagulants (warfarin) may increase the risk of bleeding. The combined use of Plagrol with oral anticoagulants is not recommended.

Planning to have Surgery

Such patients are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Discontinue the use of Plagrol seven days before undergoing the surgical procedure.

Patients with Pathological Conditions

Patients undergoing surgery or trauma are at an increased risk of bleeding when using this medicine. Patients should carefully monitor for any signs of bleeding, especially during the first week of treatment and after surgery.

Life-Threatening Blood Disorder

The patients who are using Plagrol are at an increased risk of a life-threatening blood disorder (acquired haemophilia). Proper management by specialists or discontinuation of Plagrol is required in such patients.

Recurrent Episodes of Stroke

Patients with the continual episodes of stroke are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Avoid the use of Plagrol during the first seven days after an incidence of stroke.

Abnormal Functioning of the Kidney

Patients with abnormal functioning of the kidney are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Such patients should take necessary precautions while taking Plagrol.

Abnormal Functioning of the Liver

Patients with liver disease are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Take necessary precautions while using Plagrol.

Patients Using CYP2C8 Substrates

Patients using CYP2C8 substrates (repaglinide) are at an increased risk while using this medicine. The use of Plagrol with repaglinide may increase the level of repaglinide in the body. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Patients using CYP2C19 Inhibitors

Patients having poor metabolic activity are at an increased risk when using this medicine. Use of Plagrol with omeprazole decreases the blood clotting activity of Plagrol in patients with abnormal metabolism. Avoid the use of CYP2C19 inhibitors (omeprazole or esomeprazole) in such patients. Use another platelet inhibitors (P2Y12) in patients having poor metabolic activity.

Bleeding Disorders

Patients who are taking thienopyridines are at an increased risk of bleeding. Thienopyridines may lead to blockage of blood clotting activity for 7-10 days. The process of platelet transfusion should be followed within 4 hours of starting dose or 2 hours of the maintenance dose.

Discontinuation of Plagrol

Patients who discontinue Plagrol therapy may at an increased risk of heart diseases.

Bleeding Disorder

Patients with bleeding disorder with clotting in small blood vessels are at an increased risk when using this medicine. This condition may cause low thrombocytes in the blood, deficiency of red blood cells (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia), fever, and kidney disorders. This condition requires urgent medical treatment including exchange of blood proteins (plasmapheresis).

Allergic Reaction among Thienopyridines

Patients who are taking thienopyridines are at an increased risk of allergic reactions. This allergic condition may lead to side effects such as swelling of the lower layer of the skin, low thrombocytes in the blood, skin rash, deficiency of neutrophils in the blood, and life-threatening allergic reaction. Regular monitoring for signs of allergic reaction in patients with a known allergy to thienopyridines is recommended.

Interactions with Plagrol

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Plagrol Tablet. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

SSRIs and SNRIs

Plagrol Tablet interacts with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which are used to treat depression. The use of Plagrol with these reuptake inhibitors increases the risk of bleeding. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Warfarin

There may be an interaction of Plagrol with warfarin, which is used to treat blood clots. The long-term use of Plagrol with warfarin increases the risk of bleeding. The use of Plagrol with warfarin is not recommended.

NSAIDs

Plagrol Tablet may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are used to treat pain, fever, swelling, and inflammation. The combined use of Plagrol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Paclitaxel

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with paclitaxel, which is used to treat cancer. Plagrol may increase the level of paclitaxel in the blood. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Repaglinide

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with repaglinide, which is used to treat high blood sugar. Use of Plagrol with repaglinide may increase the level of repaglinide in the body. Take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination and proper dose adjustment is recommended.

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with acetylsalicylic acid, which is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. The use of Plagrol with acetylsalicylic acid may increase the risk of bleeding. Take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, which are used to prevent blood clotting. The use of Plagrol with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors may increase the risk of bleeding. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Dexlansoprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole

Plagrol Tablet interacts with dexlansoprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole, which are used to treat stomach acid production. Use of these medicines may decrease the blood clotting activity of Plagrol.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

There may be an interaction of Plagrol with proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole or esomeprazole), which are used to treat stomach ulcers. Use of these inhibitors may reduce the level of the Plagrol metabolites in the blood and decrease the blood clotting activity. The combined use of proton pump inhibitors and Plagrol should be avoided.

CYP2C19 Inhibitors

Plagrol Tablet may interact with CYP2C19 inhibitors (fluvoxamine, moclobemide, fluoxetine, voriconazole, fluconazole, ticlopidine, carbamazepine, and efavirenz), which are used to treat depression, fungal or viral infections, stroke, and seizure. Use of Plagrol with CYP2C19 inhibitors may decrease the level of an active metabolite of Plagrol. Avoid the use of CYP2C19 inhibitors in patients who are on treatment with Plagrol.

Pentoxifylline

There may be an interaction of Plagrol with pentoxifylline, which is used to treat muscle pain. The use of Plagrol with pentoxifylline increases the risk of bleeding. Such patients should take necessary precautions while using pentoxifyllin with Plagrol especially during the first weeks of therapy.

Heparin or Thrombolytics

Plagrol Tablet may interact with heparin or thrombolytics, which are used to treat blood clots. The use of Plagrol with heparin or thrombolytics may increase the risk of bleeding. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Interactions of Plagrol by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

Moderate

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can increase your risk of harmful effects. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Plagrol be not used?

Allergic to Plagrol

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to Plagrol. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • swelling in the lower layer of skin
  • rash
  • low levels of thrombocytes in the blood
  • deficiency of neutrophils in the blood
  • life-threatening allergic reaction

Severe Abnormal Functioning of the Liver

This medicine should not be used in these patients.

Active Bleeding

This medicine should not be used in patients suffering from active bleeding disorders such as stomach ulcer or bleeding inside the brain (intracranial hemorrhage).

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Plagrol is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Plagrol Tablet .
Heart Attack
Stroke
Chest Pain
Peripheral Arterial Disease

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