Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: ticlopidine
BRAND NAME: Ticlid
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ticlopidine is an oral drug that inhibits the
ability of platelets to clump and form blood clots in a manner similar to
clopidogrel (Plavix). It is used to prevent blood clots from forming. Blood
clots that form within the arteries of the brain or that break off from clots in
other parts of the body and lodge in blood vessels in the brain cause strokes.
Similarly, heart attacks occur when blood clots block an artery in the heart. In
both cases the blood supply to part of the brain or heart is blocked and that
part of the brain or heart is damaged or dies. Ticlopidine works by making the
blood less likely to clot, therefore, reducing the likelihood of a stroke or
heart attack. The FDA approved ticlopidine in October 1991.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 250 mg
STORAGE: Ticlopidine should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 C (59 to
86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ticlopidine is used for preventing strokes in patients who
have a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs
or "mini-stroke").
It also is used for preventing blood clots in stents placed in the arteries of
the heart.
Non-FDA approved (off-label) uses include prevention of heart attacks
in patients with unstable angina (often associated with heart attacks) or who
have experienced prior heart attacks; combination with
aspirin for preventing
blood clots in stents; and intermittent claudication (due to blockage by clots
of blood flowing to the legs). Ticlopidine is most often used when aspirin has
failed, is not tolerated, or cannot be used for other reasons. It is rarely used
otherwise because of a serious side effect that can
reduce white blood cells and
platelets.
DOSING: The recommended dose is 250 mg twice daily. A single 500 mg dose is
administered several hours before stent placement.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Combining ticlopidine with other drugs that promote
bleeding increases the risk of bleeding. Examples include aspirin, warfarin
(Coumadin), and
heparin.
Ticlopidine may increase duloxetine (Cymbalta) levels by reducing the break
down of duloxetine in the liver and lead to side effects from duloxetine. The
combination may also increase the risk of bleeding because duloxetine can
interfere with platelet function.
Ticlopidine may increase pimozide (Orap) levels by reducing the break-down of
pimozide in the liver. Increased pimozide levels may cause
abnormal heart
rhythms.
PREGNANCY: Ticlopidine has not been adequately studied in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if ticlopidine is secreted in
human
breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of ticlopidine include diarrhea, nausea,
rash, stomach upset, and vomiting. Ticlopidine has been associated with a severe
reduction in white blood cell count. Ticlopidine also causes a condition called
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP is a serious condition in which
blood clots form throughout the body. Blood platelets, which participate in
clotting, are consumed, and the result can be bleeding because enough platelets
are no longer left to allow blood to clot normally.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 9/10/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Angioplasty and Stents (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, PCI) - Balloon angioplasty of the coronary artery and stents (percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI) is a non-surgical procedure that relieves narrowing and obstruction of the arteries to the muscle of the heart. PCI can relieve chest pain (angina), minimize or stop a heart attack, or improve the prognosis of patients with unstable angina. The availability of stainless steel stents have expanded the spectrum of patients suitable for PCI.
- Stroke - Learn about strokes symtoms like sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, confusion, vision problems, problems with walking or coordination, or severe headache.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Heart RSS