Description

Plavix is a trading name of the active ingredient Clopidogrel. The medicine has a specific action that stops an aggregation of platelets and thins the blood.

The active ingredients of Plavix do not have a therapeutic activity. The action happens only when Clopidogrel turns into the active metabolites. One of its active metabolites has a pharmacological activity and is able to stop the aggregation of the platelets.

Changes in the blood happen in the first day after the use of a onetime therapeutic dose. On 4-5^th days, a therapeutic day achieves its maximum and synthesis of platelets is reduced by 50-60%.

The pharmacological action of Plavix is reversible. It means that a reduction of the aggregation of platelets happens only during the use of the tablets. If you stop taking the medicine, all processes will be restored in a week, and a duration of the bleeding will be normal.

Plavix is able to prevent an acute platelet developing due to atherosclerosis, during any site of atherosclerotic vascular changes (including atherosclerosis of the brain, heart, peripheral arteries).

Plavix is the most important ingredient of the drug therapy of the ischemic heart disease, coronary syndrome and ciliary arrhythmia. It helps to reduce complications after myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

According to the results of the studies, Plavix has a good tolerance, does not provide a side effect on the cardiovascular system and does not cause a medical addiction.

In what dose is Plavix used?

Plavix is produced in tablets in the dose of 75 mg that are used orally. A dosing of Plavix is 75 mg per day for the treatment of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or peripheral arterial obstruction. The tablets are taken every day at the same time.

If coronary syndrome, Plavix is used in a loading dose of 300 mg, and the treatment is continued by the standard scheme 75 mg per day starting from the second day.

To treat atrial fibrillation, the drug is used in the dose of 75 mg once per day. Aspirin 75-100 mg per day is used with Plavix.

Aged patients do not adjust the dose, if they do not have contraindications for the use.

Precautions

• Plavix may be contraindicated during poor liver function, intolerance of lactose, renal failure
• If you have open bleedings: ulcers of stomach or intracranial hematoma, the use of Plavix is contraindicated
• Plavix is not prescribed women during pregnancy and lactation, and patients under 18 years old
• Due to risk of bleedings and negative hematological effects, it is necessary to have a medical examination on a regular basis. In case of the first signs of the closed bleedings, stop taking Plavix

Side effects

Plavix is well tolerated and seldom causes side effects. But in rare cases, they still happen: gastro-intestinal bleedings (especially in patients with gastric ulcer), stomachache, dyspepsia, gastritis, and skin rash.