The medicine "Plavix" describes the instructions for use as an antiplatelet drug that has a pronounced coronary dilating effect. Regular intake of this drug effectively prevents the development of atherosclerosis. At the same time, the Plavix preparation demonstrates good results both with coronary and with cerebral or peripheral lesions of arteries. The basis of the action of this antiplatelet agent is the suppression of
platelet aggregation, which begins to be noted from the first day of administration and gradually increases over the next three to seven days. Subsequently, this indicator, as a rule, reaches a constant level.
The antiplatelet drug "Plavix" is produced (instructions for use are always included) in the form of elongated pink tablets. Each dragee contains clopidogrel as the main active ingredient. The auxiliary elements are low-substituted hyprolose, macrogol 6000, mannitol, castor oil, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate,
titanium dioxide, triacetin, hypromellose, red iron oxide and
carnauba wax.
To take tablets "Plaviks", the instructions for use are generally recommended in order to prevent ischemic disorders. For example, this antiplatelet drug can be prescribed for the prevention of peripheral arterial thrombosis. To prevent stroke in patients with atherosclerosis, it is also recommended to use the medicine "Plavix". Its use is indicated for the prevention of myocardial infarction. In addition, this drug can be used in combination with vitamin C to prevent atherothrombosis in people suffering from acute form of coronary syndrome.
Instructions for use do not recommend prescribing the antiplatelet drug "Plavix" in the case of a patient with a lactase deficiency, hereditary galactose intolerance, or severe liver failure. In addition, you should not start taking these pills for any acute bleeding, for example, with intracranial hemorrhage.
The list of direct contraindications also includes the lactation period, pregnancy and hypersensitivity to clopidogrel. In addition, this antiplatelet agent should not be prescribed to people under the age of eighteen. With extreme caution, the drug "Plavix" is used for renal failure, a moderate form of liver failure, as well as for injuries, various kinds of surgical interventions and diseases associated with a predisposition to bleeding.
The most common adverse reactions associated with taking this antiplatelet drug are neutropenia, dyspepsia, and thrombocytopenia. In addition, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, the development of hemorrhagic stroke, gastritis and ulceration of the gastrointestinal mucosa is quite high. Some patients also complain of diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.