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clopidogrel bisulfate
Plavix

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets
: 75 mg

Action
Inhibits platelet aggregation by inhibiting the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its platelet receptor inhibiting ADP-mediated activation and subsequent platelet aggregation. Because clopidogrel acts by irreversibly modifying the platelet ADP receptor, platelets exposed to the drug are affected for their life span.

Indications & dosage
To reduce atherosclerotic events in patients with atherosclerosis documented by recent CVA, MI, or peripheral arterial disease--

Adults:
75 mg P.O. daily.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache, dizziness, fatigue, depression.
CV:
edema, hypertension.
EENT:
rhinitis, epistaxis.
GI:
hemorrhage, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers.
GU:
urinary tract infection.
Hematologic:
purpura.
Musculoskeletal:
arthralgia.
Respiratory:
bronchitis, coughing, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection.
Skin:
rash, pruritus.
Other:
flulike syndrome, pain.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Aspirin, NSAIDs: may
increase risk of GI bleeding. Use cautiously.
Heparin, warfarin:
safety hasn't been established. Use together cautiously.
Drug-herb.
Red clover: possible increased risk of bleeding. Use together cautiously.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or its components and in those with pathologic bleeding (such as peptic ulcer or intracranial hemorrhage).

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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