Why it's used

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet is used to reduce the rate of stroke and heart attack. This medicine works by preventing the blood clot formation. Clopidogrel Bisulfate is also used to treat poor circulation in the legs (peripheral arterial disease) and chest pain due to heart problems, and to prevent conditions like irregular heartbeat and sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart.
Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet may also be used together with other medicines to treat certain conditions as recommended by the doctor. It is used in combination with Aspirin to lower the chances of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.
Antiplatelet
Clopidogrel Bisulfate is a prescription medicine that 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 medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Clopidogrel Bisulfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
Clopidogrel Bisulfate is eaten with or without food.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Clopidogrel Bisulfate for adults is 75 mg/day. Clopidogrel Bisulfate is commonly used at the same time every day. This medicine is not known to be addictive or habit-forming.
This medicine should be used on an as-needed basis. Clopidogrel Bisulfate should be used as directed by the doctor even if you feel well, or even if you think that there is no need for you to use your medicine.

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor if your condition worsens. Discuss with your doctor if blood in the urine, black colored stools, vomiting with blood, and blood clot formation. Consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate.
When stopping this medicine, some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms like heart attack, and stroke.

Use in Children

The safety and effectiveness of using Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet in children has not been established. This medicine does not work in children.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet at room temperature 25° C (77° F), away from moisture, and away from light. Store this medicine away from children and pets.

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How to take Clopidogrel Bisulfate

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

Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate?
No specific antidote is available for the Clopidogrel Bisulfate. In the case of overdose, another alternative method called platelet transfusion may be used to reverse the effects (prolonged bleeding time) of Clopidogrel Bisulfate.
Symptoms of an overdose of Clopidogrel Bisulfate
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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Before you use Clopidogrel Bisulfate, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • allergic to Clopidogrel Bisulfate
  • bleeding problems
  • bleeding within the brain
  • kidney disease
  • plan to have surgery and dental procedures
  • severe liver disease
  • stomach ulcers
Use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate in these existing conditions may lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
Before you use Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet, tell 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 to clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or prasugrel.
Before having any surgery when using Clopidogrel Bisulfate, tell your doctor and dentist about all the medicinal products you use including prescription and non-prescription medicines, and any herbal supplements.

Use in Pregnancy

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet should be used in pregnancy only when required. Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate during breastfeeding. It is unknown whether Clopidogrel Bisulfate passes into the breast milk.

Impact on Fertility

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

Seizures

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet may cause seizures in some people. Discuss with your doctor if you perform activities where a loss of consciousness may cause you or others harm.

Increased Risk

This medicine can cause stomach bleeding. The use of alcohol/tobacco with Clopidogrel Bisulfate may increase the risk. Talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or smoke regularly.

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

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate passes into the breast milk.

Younger Adults Population

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

Older Adults Population

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

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
Rarely, the use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet may cause the following side-effects:
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet:
  • Brain related disorders
    Symptoms: confusion, hallucinations bleeding inside the brain (intracranial bleeding)
  • Immune system disorders
    Symptoms: life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylactoid reactions) allergic reaction to an injection of foreign protein
  • Liver disorders
    Symptoms: acute liver failure, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) blood creatinine increased
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Blood vessel disorders
    Symptoms: inflammation of a blood vessel (vasculitis), low blood pressure bleeding (haemorrhage) after surgical procedure
  • Heart disorders
    Symptoms: chest pain or heart attack due to allergic reaction (kounis syndrome)
  • Bone disorders
    Symptoms: bleeding into joint spaces (haemarthrosis)
Your doctor has prescribed this Clopidogrel Bisulfate because they have judged that the benefits outweigh the risks posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This is not a complete list of possible side-effects for Clopidogrel Bisulfate.
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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate may increase the risk of bleeding. Such patients should take necessary precautions while using NSAIDs with Clopidogrel Bisulfate especially during the first weeks of therapy.

Use of Oral Anticoagulants

Patients who are taking Clopidogrel Bisulfate with oral anticoagulants (warfarin) may increase the risk of bleeding. The combined use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate are at an increased risk of a life-threatening blood disorder (acquired haemophilia). Proper management by specialists or discontinuation of Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate.

Abnormal Functioning of the Liver

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

Patients Using CYP2C8 Substrates

Patients using CYP2C8 substrates (repaglinide) are at an increased risk while using this medicine. The use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate with omeprazole decreases the blood clotting activity of Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Patients who discontinue Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate

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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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.

NSAIDs

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are used to treat pain, fever, swelling, and inflammation. The combined use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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.

Warfarin

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

SSRIs and SNRIs

Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet interacts with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which are used to treat depression. The use of Clopidogrel Bisulfate with these reuptake inhibitors increases the risk of bleeding. 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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.

Paclitaxel

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

CYP2C19 Inhibitors

Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate with CYP2C19 inhibitors may decrease the level of an active metabolite of Clopidogrel Bisulfate. Avoid the use of CYP2C19 inhibitors in patients who are on treatment with Clopidogrel Bisulfate.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

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

Dexlansoprazole, Lansoprazole, and Pantoprazole

Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate.

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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors may increase the risk of bleeding. Patients should take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate with acetylsalicylic acid may increase the risk of bleeding. Take necessary precautions while taking both drugs in combination.

Heparin or Thrombolytics

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

Pentoxifylline

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

Interactions of Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate be not used?

Allergic to Clopidogrel Bisulfate

This medicine should not be used in patients who are allergic to Clopidogrel Bisulfate. 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate 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 Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablet .
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