Ticlopidine

Ticlopidine
Ticlopidine

Uses

Ticlopidine is used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had a stroke or have had warning signs of a stroke and who cannot be treated with aspirin. Ticlopidine is also used along with aspirin to prevent blood clots from forming in coronary stents (metal tubes surgically placed in clogged blood vessels to improve blood flow). It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots.

Side Effects Of Ticlopidine

Ticlopidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • loss of appetite
  • gas
  • headache
  • itching

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

  • fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • light-colored stools
  • skin rash
  • Ticlopidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before taking ticlopidine:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ticlopidine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ticlopidine tablets.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antacids, anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), clopidogrel (Plavix), digoxin (Lanoxin), and theophylline (Theo-Dur). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • if you also take antacids (Maalox, Mylanta) take them 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking ticlopidine.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, bleeding disorders, bleeding ulcers, low blood cell counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, TTP), kidney disease, high blood cholesterol, or high blood fats (triglycerides).
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ticlopidine, call your doctor.
  • talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking ticlopidine if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take ticlopidine because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ticlopidine. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking ticlopidine 10 to 14 days before your procedure. Follow these directions.

Ticlopidine Dosage

Ticlopidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ticlopidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take ticlopidine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ticlopidine without talking to your doctor.

Other

Ticlopidine prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.