Indications for using Plavix
Plavix helps with numerous conditions when it is necessary to "thin" the blood, that is, to reduce the level of clotting by blocking the ability of platelets to stick to each other. This is necessary in order to prevent the formation of blood clots - blood clots that can clog the vessels and thereby cause ischemia of certain organs.
Plavix is used to prevent thromboembolic complications in the following pathologies:
- previous myocardial infarction (for 5 to 35 days) or ischemic stroke with a prescription of 1 to 25 weeks.
- peripheral vascular occlusive disease;
- atrial fibrillation (especially atrial fibrillation);
- prevention of complications after percutaneous stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery, pacemaker or heart valve replacement.
Most often, "Plavix" is included in the complex treatment, along with other antiplatelet agents. An example is dual antithrombotic therapy: Clopidogrel and Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid).
Method of administration and dosage
The dosage of Plavix is determined by the specific pathology and stage of the disease. The tablets are taken regardless of the meal, at any time of the day, but preferably at the same time. The exact dose and duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.
If for any reason you missed taking the drug, then use the following rule:
- if the time elapsed since the previous dose is less than twelve hours, take your standard dose as soon as possible, and then follow the usual regimen;
- if more than 12 hours have passed, take the next one at your usual time, according to the scheme. The dose should be the same; there is no need to double it.
75 mg tablets for heart attack, stroke of cerebral arteries and occlusive peripheral vascular disease are taken once a day.
In acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation, as well as in unstable angina pectoris, the following scheme is used:
- First, a loading dose of Plavix of 300 mg / day is used (only for patients under 75 years old, otherwise they start with 75 mg);
- In the future, a dosage of 75 mg / once a day is used, along with aspirin (75-325 mg / day). Some studies suggest that due to the increased risk of bleeding, the dose of acetylsalicylic acid should not exceed 100 mg.
For myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation, the same scheme is used, only in this case, drugs from the thrombolytic class can be additionally used.
Special instructions and possible side effects
Before using this medication, you must familiarize yourself with its contraindications.
Use with caution in the following conditions:
- renal failure;
- peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum;
- portal hypertension;
- increased likelihood of bleeding after surgery.
Side effects of Plavix include:
- on the part of the hemostatic system: hemorrhagic syndrome (bleeding from the mucous membranes of the nose, purpura, micro- or macrohematuria, hemorrhages in the skull or eyeball, hematomas)
- from the hematopoietic system: anemia, a decrease in the level of neutrophils, leukocytes, granulocytes, platelets, an increase in eosinophils;
- from the nervous system: dizziness, headache, impaired sensitivity, consciousness, the appearance of hallucinatory syndrome;
- for organs of the cardiovascular system: hypotension, vasculitis;
- allergic reactions: anaphylactic shock, serum sickness, urticaria;
- reactions of the respiratory system: pneumonia, bronchospasm;
- general reactions - fever, weakness.
If any adverse reactions occur, you must immediately stop taking the medication and consult a specialist.
Special instructions
Instructions for the use of "Plavix" must be read before using the drug. It is also recommended to consult with your doctor in order to avoid the development of complications.
Before taking the drug, it is necessary to collect anamnesis for possible allergic reactions, the presence of signs of blood coagulation pathologies. Laboratory studies of the hemostasis system are being carried out.
In the event that this remedy is used after or before surgical operations, it is necessary to carry out strict monitoring of the patient's condition, since there is a high probability of bleeding. When signs of hemorrhage appear, all the necessary tests and instrumental studies should be done to identify the source. It is advisable to stop taking a week before surgery. Also, while using Plavix, you should periodically check the functional parameters of the liver.
It is necessary to use Plavix with caution in combination with the following medicines:
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants;
- blockers of IIb or IIIa glycoprotein receptors;
- "Naproxen" (in relation to other NSAIDs, studies have not been conducted);
- "Heparin"
- thrombolytic agents.
- proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole).
In case of overdose, there is a risk of hemorrhages of various localization. There is no specific antidote; treatment consists in gastric lavage, taking absorbent drugs, and calling an ambulance. If bleeding occurs, measures are taken to stop it.
Conclusions
The drug "Plavix" is a classic representative of the class of antiplatelet agents and helps to reduce platelet aggregation, thereby preventing the pathological formation of blood clots.
It is used for the treatment of heart attacks, acute disorders of cerebral circulation, prevention of thromboembolic complications, incl. and after the installation of artificial implants.
The drug is considered safe enough, side effects are rare. However, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before using it.
