GENERIC NAME: ticlopidine
BRAND NAME: Ticlid
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ticlopidine interferes with
platelet
membrane function. Platelets work in the body by helping in the
formation
of blood clots. If platelets do not function properly, the
blood becomes "thinner"
and does not clot normally. Thinner blood reduces the risk of
thromboses
(blood clots in vessels).
A stroke occurs when a clot forms in a blood vessel in the
brain
(thrombus) or forms in another part of the body and breaks off,
then
travels to the brain (an embolus). In both cases the blood
supply to part
of the brain is blocked and that part of the brain is damaged.
Ticlopidine
works by making the blood less likely to clot, thus, less
likely to have a
stroke.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: no
PREPARATIONS: 250mg oral tablets.
STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 15-30 degrees C (59-
86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Ticlopidine is used in the reduction of
risk for
strokes. Ticlopidine is indicated for people who cannot take
aspirin.
Ticlopidine is only used for patients with a risk for stroke.
DOSING: Ticlopidine should be taken at doses
specifically
directed by the physician. Over use can lead bleeding and a
fall in your
white cell count. Blood testing may be used to monitor for side
effects.
Patients should maintain follow-up appointments for blood tests
and report
to the doctor any sign of increase infection, bruising, or
bleeding while
taking and two weeks after stopping ticlopidine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ticlopidine should not be taken by
patients
with bleeding tendencies, such as bleeding ulcers or those
taking
anticoagulants without consulting the physician. Ticlopidine is
used with
caution in patients with liver disease. Ticlopidine can cause
elevation of
cholesterol and triglycerides.
Frequently ticlopidine is stopped a week or two before surgery.
Ticlopidine interacts with a variety of drugs, so patients
taking other
medications should consult their pharmacists.
PREGNANCY: Ticlopidine should not be used if pregnant.
NURSING MOTHERS: Ticlopidine
should not be used if breast
feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Ticlopidine can occasionally cause
diarrhea, rash,
nausea, "acid" stomach, and vomiting.
Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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.
- 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.
- Aspirin and Antiplatelet Medications - Read about aspirin therapy to prevent heart attack and stroke. Also learn about other anti-platelet medications such as, thienopyridines, and glycoprotein IIB/IIa inhibitors.
- Heart Attack Treatment - Read about heart attack treatment, including medications such as anti-platelet agents, aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, nitrates, stents, and surgery.
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