Ticlopidine is used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have already had one or who have manifested the symptoms of one, but they cannot reduce risks with taking aspirin. It is also used in combination with aspirin to counter the formation of clots in carriers of the coronary stents. Finally, it can be used for open heart surgery and in the treatment of sickle cell disease, renal diseases (especially primary Glomerulonephritis) and occlusion of the arteries in the legs.
What is Ticlopidine?
Ticlopidine acts by preventing platelets congregate from forming clots.
How should Ticlopidine be taken?
Ticlopidine can be consumed orally in tablet form, usually twice a day.
Side effects associated with Ticlopidine
Ticlopidine can reduce levels of white blood cells and platelets. Among the symptoms that can be triggered by its intake are the following:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- gas
- headache
- itching
It is recommended to immediately contact a doctor if you experience:
- fever, sore throat or other symptoms of an infection
- bruising or bleeding
- colored stools
- rash
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Ticlopidine
Ticlopidine can lengthen the time of wound healing, due to this when you are taking this medication you should avoid activities that may cause trauma with wounds and contact your doctor in case of abnormal bleeding.
In case of concomitant treatment with ticlopidine, antacids should be taken an hour later or two hours before their consumption.
Prior to initiation of therapy it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, excipients or any other medication
- You are taking other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements, espeicially antacids, warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel or other anticoagulants, aspirin, cimetidine, digoxin or theophylline
- You suffer (or have suffered) from liver disease, bleeding disorders, bleeding ulcers, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, kidney disease, high cholesterol or high triglycerides
- You are pregnant or lactating
You must also inform surgeons and dentists of any treatment with ticlopidine in progress.
