Clopidogrel is part of a group of drugs highly recommended to act with a positive effect on platelets , reducing the risk of heart conditions and abnormalities regarding the formation of blood clots.
Next, in this article we will learn more about the composition of clopidogrel, along with its specific functions, the effects it entails and what type of people it is contraindicated for.
What is clopidogrel?
Clopidogrel is a generic medication and an active principle, with antiplatelet properties, which have an inhibitory active metabolite through blood platelets , to control clot formation in case of heart disease.
On the other hand, clopidogrel is commonly used by oral administration since it comes in the form of capsules or compressed tablets of 75 mg and although the doses vary in each patient, initially, both in adults and the elderly, 1 tablet of 75 is recommended. mg once a day.
Note: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in an essay mentions the following information: “Patients should not stop taking clopidogrel or aspirin, because doing so can increase the risk of heart attacks and blood clots. ” in the blood . ” (1)
What is clopidogrel used for?
Clopidogrel has specific functions as it is related to heart conditions, since these can affect a large percentage of the adult and elderly population, therefore it is recommended in the following cases:
1. Blood clots
Clots are generally blood that enters the state of a solid mass to prevent internal bleeding , work with platelets and can divide into thrombosis or emboli.
To highlight: Clopidogrel is recommended for the prevention of the formation of these blood masses, since they can harm health depending on the location where they are formed, because they are capable of blocking blood circulation.
2. Peripheral artery disease
This is a complex disorder, where a blockage of circulation occurs in the arteries when they become very narrow, which are related to the heart and the brain , so arteriopathy is caused by heart conditions such as arteriosclerosis or hypertension.
You should know: The anticoagulant drug clopidogrel is recommended in these cases with small doses, which cannot influence the adverse effects it has.
3. Acute coronary syndrome
Coronary syndrome is a series of disorders or conditions in the coronary arteries , such as myocardial infarction (except sudden death) or angina, accompanied by other symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue or indigestion .
Note: The use of clopidogrel is recommended, with doses of 75 mg capsules per day for 4 to 12 weeks in a row, since blood clots can obstruct coronary arteries and cause the mentioned disorder.
Clopidogrel Side Effects
The drug clopidogrel can have side reactions, which in case of presenting them , the use of said medication should be suspended, which according to the data collected may vary for each patient or the condition that the patient is presenting, among these effects are the following:
- bruising.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Abdominal pain.
Important: An investigation mentions the following evidence: “In patients who received adequate administration of clopidogrel, fewer cases of gastrointestinal disorders such as dyspepsia, gastritis and constipation were reported” . (two)
Clopidogrel Contraindications
This generic drug is contraindicated for a certain number of patients, who have suffered from a series of certain conditions , especially if they present the following symptoms or cases:
- Hypersensitivity to the active principle.
- Stroke or stroke.
- Lactose intolerance.
- Severe liver failure (sudden loss of liver function).
- Peptic ulcer problems (perforations in the digestive lining).
- Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding inside the human skull).
- Do not administer to pregnant or lactating women.
To highlight: A medical study mentions the following information: “If the patient is going to undergo a scheduled surgical intervention and an antiplatelet effect is temporarily not desired, the administration of clopidogrel should be discontinued 7 days before the intervention” . (3)
Key Findings
- Clopidogrel is a drug used to prevent platelet aggregation .
- Clopidogrel treatment is for various cases of coronary syndrome or peripheral arterial disease .
- It has certain adverse effects on the gastrointestinal system.
- It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.