What is Clopidogrel used for?
Clopidogrel is a medication used to prevent or lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with heart diseases. It is administered to patients who have recently had a heart attack or stroke. This medication is also used in the treatment of blood clot and blood circulation disease.
It is administered along with Aspirin in the treatment of Angina (severe chest pain). It is also prescribed after certain procedures such as Cardiac Stent, to keep the blood vessels open and prevent blood from clotting.
How does Clopidogrel work?
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots that are harmful to the body. This helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in the body.
What is Clopidogrel used to treat?
Clopidogrel is used to treat medical conditions such as Acute Coronary Syndrome, Angina, heart attack, stroke and Peripheral Artery Disease.
What is the difference between Aspirin and Clopidogrel?
Aspirin is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), while Clopidogrel is an anticoagulant. Clopidogrel and Aspirin are often prescribed together in the treatment of various conditions. The combination of both medications is known as Dual Antiplatelet Therapy as both drugs stop the platelets from sticking together and forming dangerous clots.
What are the most common side effects of Clopidogrel?
Some of the most common side effects of Clopidogrel includes:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Muscle Pain
- Bleeding
- Skin rash
- Itching
Call your doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects such as:
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Blood in your Urine or Stool
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Sweating
- Excessive sweating
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Clopidogrel Precautions
Consult with your doctor before taking Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an oral medication, and should be ingested by mouth.
Do not use Clopidogrel if you have any active bleeding such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain as it increases the risk of bleeding. This can become severe or life-threatening.
Consult with your doctor before discontinuing Clopidogrel as this may put you at a risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Clopidogrel Price
Clopidogrel is available for purchase on Drugstore.ng, the largest online pharmacy in Nigeria.