Clopidrogel Bisulfate

Clopidrogel Bisulfate is an antiplatelet medication. It is sometimes referred to as a “blood thinner” because of its ability to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the blood vessels. This medicine is primarily used for:

• Preventing blood from clotting that can cause stroke or heart attack among patients who are at high risk from these conditions including those with a history of myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease and other forms of heart ailments.
• Treating patients with an acute coronary syndrome
• Prevention of thrombosis along with aspirin after placement of coronary stent or as an alternative antiplatelet drug for people who are intolerant to aspirin.

Clopidrogel works by preventing the natural substance in the body called adenosine diphosphate or ADP from binding to the platelet’s receptors. ADP is one of the chemicals in the body that can cause the platelets to clump together and start the process of blood clotting. Clopidrogel prevents the ADP from binding with the platelet’s receptors thus preventing the blood from clotting.

Blood clots formed inside the blood vessels can be very dangerous as it blocks the blood supply to vital body organs. A blockage in the arteries supply of blood to the brain or heart can cause stroke or heart attack while blockage in the blood vessels in the extremities such as the hands and legs can cause gangrenes.

Blood clots are caused by build-up of cholesterol and fat cells (atherosclerosis) in the blood vessels. The blood vessels become narrow and the interior becomes rough and bumpy making it more difficult for the blood to flow in the blood vessels thus increases the likelihood of blood clotting.

Patients who have already suffered from stroke or heart attack are at high risk from having another blood clot in their arteries. Those with unstable angina are also at risk from having heart attack due to blood clot. Similarly, those with narrowed arteries in their extremities are also at high risk from developing atherothrombotic events.

Why Buy Clopidrogel Bisulfate?

Clopidrogel is an effective antiplatelet drug that approved by Food and Drug Administration for medical use. It is prescribed to patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke due to blood clot and patients with unstable angina, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation. It is marketed worldwide as generic and brand name versions. Clopidrogel was the second-top-selling drug in the world in 2007.

How to Take Clopidrogel Bisulfate?

Take Clopidrogel exactly as directed by your doctor. Your dose depends on your condition. Clopidrogel is available in 75 mg and 300 mg tablets. The typical recommended dose is one tablet a day with or without foods. Your doctor may start giving you a low dose and will adjust it over time until you reach the maximum dosage that’s right for you.

• Acute coronary syndrome: The starting dose is 300 mg a day and the maintenance dose is 75 mg a day.
• Recent heart attack, stroke or peripheral arterial disease: The dose is 75 mg a day.

For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. Do not stop taking this drug without informing your doctor.

What are the side effects of Clopidrogel Bisulfate?

Clopidrogel may cause some side effects aside from its intended effects. Common side effects are:

• Eczema
• Rash
• Bruising
• Itching
• Taste problems
• Skin redness
• Diarrhea

Stop taking Clopidrogel and seek medical help right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Confusion
• Weakness
• Blood in the urine
• Coughing of blood
• Vision, speech and balance problems
• Sudden headache
• Unusual bleeding in the mouth, rectum and vagina
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Vomiting that looks like a coffee grounds
• Heavy chest pain that spreads to arms, jaw or shoulder
• Bloody or tarry stool

Things to Remember

• This medicine is designed to keep your platelets from coagulating and from forming clots. At the same time it will also increase your risk from bleeding even to a minor injury.
• Clopidrogel is suitable for adults only. It should be used among patient with severe active bleeding such as bleeding in the gut and people with severely liver problems. It should not also be used among patients with an increased risk of bleeding due to injury, surgery or disease that affects blood clotting like hemophilia.
• Use this medicine with care among patients with:
  • A history of peptic ulcers
  • Who are taking other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding like heparin and warfarin
• This drug can cause serious bleeding problems that can be fatal sometimes. Inform your doctor if you are going to have any surgery including dental procedures. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking this medicine a week before any planned surgery. It can make you bleed and bruise easily, have nosebleed that will take longer than the usual bleeding to stop. Inform your doctor if you have unexplained, prolonged or excessive bleeding.
• This drug can be more effective in preventing another heart attack but this will increase your risk of bleeding.
• Do not use this if you have a head injury or stomach ulcer.
• Do not use this if you are allergic to it. Symptoms of severe allergic reactions include trouble breathing, swelling on the face, lips, throat or tongue.
• Clopidrogel may interact with alcohol which can increase your risk of bleeding. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while you’re taking this drug.
• Clopidrogel works best with aspirin in preventing heart attack but the risk of bleeding is higher.
• This medication is activated in the liver by an enzyme to its active form. Patients with reduced liver activity may not respond well to this treatment. Alternative treatment should be used for these patients.