Clofigel Tablets (Clopidogrel Sulfate)

Adult dose

For patients with ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or peripheral artery disease, 75 mg of clopidogrel is administered orally once daily. For patients with acute coronary syndrome, an initial loading dose of 300 mg orally once daily on the day of administration, followed by a maintenance dose of 75 mg orally once daily. Aspirin 75 to 325 mg should be administered concurrently once daily. For patients with atrial fibrillation, 75 mg of this medication is administered orally once daily.

This medication prevents platelet aggregation in the blood, thereby preventing thrombosis. Since this medication must be converted into an active form in the liver to be effective, individuals with genetically reduced function of the enzyme CYP2C19 that activates this drug may experience diminished effectiveness. Moreover, taking this medication alongside drugs that activate the CYP2C19 enzyme can increase the concentration of active metabolites in the bloodstream, leading to an elevated bleeding risk, so concurrent use should be avoided. Individuals allergic to this medication or its components, those with active bleeding, severe liver damage, nursing mothers, or individuals with lactose intolerance should not take this medication. Patients at high risk for bleeding or those suspected of having bleeding symptoms should undergo blood tests to monitor their condition. Care is advised when taking this drug alongside anticoagulants like warfarin, as this can further increase the risk of bleeding. This medication may prolong bleeding time, leading to potential bleeding occurrences in the gastrointestinal tract or eyes; caution is advised for those with gastrointestinal ulcers or ocular lesions. Patients scheduled for surgery or with a history of trauma should discontinue this medication 5-7 days prior to surgery and resume only after hemostasis has been achieved. Concurrent use with other medications that pose a risk of bleeding (such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heparin, thrombolytics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) should be exercised with caution. Specifically, careful consideration should be given if a patient with a transient ischemic attack or stroke is taking both aspirin and this medication due to an increased risk of bleeding. Rare blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or neutropenia may occur with this medication, so if symptoms of fever or infection develop, patients should consult a physician immediately. Gastrointestinal effects may include abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and allergic reactions such as skin rashes or itching have also been reported. It poses a low risk to the fetus during pregnancy; however, the risk of bleeding during delivery can increase, thus discontinuation 5-7 days before delivery is recommended. If breastfeeding, patients should consult with their doctor regarding the potential for this medication to be excreted in breast milk and whether to continue breastfeeding or cease medication. Safety and efficacy in children have yet to be established. Elderly individuals may have reduced renal and liver function, increasing bleeding risk, therefore careful dose adjustments and monitoring are required. In case of overdose, the bleeding risk can increase and there is no specific antidote; treatment may include platelet transfusion in cases of severe bleeding. This medication should be stored out of reach of children and should not be transferred to other containers. During the course of treatment, any suspected bleeding symptoms or adverse reactions should be immediately reported to healthcare personnel, and the healthcare provider should be informed of ongoing medication prior to surgery or the initiation of new medications.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with high fever, blistering, peeling skin, pain in mucous membranes of mouth/eyes, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, asthma attacks, respiratory distress accompanied by cough and fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), extreme fatigue, sudden and severe headache, thunderclap headache, seizures, confusion, visual disturbances, paralysis, urinary changes.

Mild side effects

• Headache
• dizziness
• abdominal pain
• dyspepsia
• diarrhea
• nausea
• rash
• itching
• purpura
• nosebleeds

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to protect it from air and moisture, and it is advisable to keep it at room temperature between 1 to 30 degrees Celsius. Storing it this way helps maintain its effectiveness for a longer period.

Appearance

Pink round film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 300 tablets/bottle