What is Plavix?
Plavix is a blood platelet aggregation inhibitor the active ingredient of which is Clopidogrel. Blood platelet aggregation inhibition prevents narrowing of the bright lumen in the blood vessels and eliminates the development of severe diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Plavix binds to the receptors which take part in the creation of platelets and slows down their work. The difference of Plavix from the analogical drugs is an irreversible effect.
After the use of the medication, new platelets will not be produced till new cells will be formed. These cellular structures will be able to restore the platelet aggregation.
The irreversible anti-platelet action of Plavix has its advantages and disadvantages. A significant advantage is a reduction of the vascular occlusion and thrombus detachment. It has been clinically proved that Plavix therapy helps to lower the risk of the myocardial infarction, stroke, and sudden death by two times.
The disadvantage of Plavix is a possibility of the prolonged bleedings appearance because of the termination of blood platelet aggregation. There are facts that the period of bleeding is restored in 2 weeks after the end of the treatment, and therefore Plavix does not give a negative impact to the body after the termination of the use.
Therapeutic effect of Plavix is developed slowly. The blood platelet aggregation is lowered in the first day of the treatment, and the maximal effect is gained in 7-10 days.
Despite the inhibition of the receptor functions which take part in synthesis of the blood platelets by Clopidogrel, all receptors are not blocked. According to the results of the medical studies, Plavix inhibits the synthesis of the blood platelets by about 60%.
Usage and dosage of Plavix
Plavix is prescribed for the treatment of the acute ischemic heart syndrome, unstable stenocardia, and for preventive measure of atherothrombosis during ischemic pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
In each medical case, a patient is prescribed an individual scheme of the treatment depending on the level of intensity of the thrombus formation in the vessels.
- The standard daily dose of Plavix is 75 mg
- In case of the acute ischemic heart syndrome, patients are prescribed Plavix 75 mg within 3-12 months
- If you have had an ischemic stroke, Plavix 75 mg should be taken from the 7th day after a stroke within 6 months.
- If you have had a myocardial infarction, patients are recommended to start taking Plavix 75 mg from the 6th day within a month
- Plavix 75 mg tablets should be taken constantly, every day at the same time. In case of the irregular use, its effect is lowered and the complications may be developed.
In case of accident cardiovascular disorders (arrhythmia), Plavix can be used in the combined therapy.
The prolonged application of Plavix 75 mg for about 1-1,5 years will not cause a physiological addiction.
Possible side effects
Due to the reduction of the blood platelets level, there is a possibility of bleedings while taking Plavix. These are often nasal bleedings, however, there is data about the appearance of the gastro-intestinal bleedings in single cases. In this case, seek medical help right away.
As the bleeding termination needs longer time during the application of Plavix, inform your doctor about every case. Perhaps, you will be prescribed a combined treatment in order to reduce the frequency and intensity of the bleedings.
Besides the appearance of bleedings, Plavix can cause other side effects: dyspepsia, stomachache, nausea, headache, dizziness, low level of the blood platelets in the peripheral blood, leukopenia, and prolonged bleedings.
