Clodrel 75

CLODREL 75 is a medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., primarily prescribed to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots.

Name

• Brand Name: CLODREL 75
• Common Name: Clopidogrel

Composition

Each tablet contains Clopidogrel 75 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses

CLODREL 75 is an antiplatelet medicine (blood thinner) used to reduce the risk of blood clot formation in blood vessels. It is prescribed for adults to prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. It is indicated for individuals with:

• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Recent heart attack or stroke.
• Unstable angina or chest pain.
• Patients who have undergone certain heart procedures, including stent placement.
• Atrial fibrillation, in combination with aspirin, for those unsuitable for Vitamin K antagonists.

Dosage and Administration

The typical dosage is 75 mg taken orally once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. In acute cases, such as acute coronary syndrome, a loading dose of 300 mg or 600 mg may be administered initially, followed by the 75 mg daily maintenance dose. CLODREL 75 is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Stomach upset, stomach pain, indigestion, or heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in the urine

Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), with or without confusion
• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, or swelling (face, tongue, throat)
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), characterized by fever, bruising under the skin, extreme tiredness, or confusion

Precautions

• Bleeding Risk: Use with caution in patients with a history of bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, or bleeding inside the brain. Inform your doctor if you are undergoing any surgery, including dental procedures, as it may be necessary to discontinue the medication temporarily.
• Organ Impairment: Caution is advised for patients with kidney or liver disease.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Limited safety information is available for pregnancy; avoid unless prescribed by a doctor. It is unknown if clopidogrel passes into breast milk, and breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medicine.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. CLODREL 75 may interact with other blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin), NSAIDs, certain antidepressants, anti-HIV medications, and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or decreasing effectiveness.
• Alcohol: Concomitant use with alcohol may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

Storage

Store CLODREL 75 below 30°C, in a cool and dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions About CLODREL 75

CLODREL 75, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., contains the active ingredient Clopidogrel (75 mg). It is an antiplatelet medication often referred to as a "blood thinner," used to prevent harmful blood clots.

What is CLODREL 75 used for?

CLODREL 75 is primarily used to prevent blood clots, thereby reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It is prescribed for individuals with conditions like acute coronary syndrome (ACS), those who have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke, or who have peripheral arterial disease. It can also be used after certain heart procedures, such as the insertion of a coronary stent.

How does CLODREL 75 work?

CLODREL 75 (Clopidogrel) is an antiplatelet medicine. It works by preventing platelets, which are small blood cells, from clumping together to form unwanted blood clots. Clopidogrel is a prodrug that gets converted in the liver to its active form, which then irreversibly blocks a specific receptor (P2Y12 ADP receptor) on the platelets, thus inhibiting their aggregation. This action helps maintain smooth blood flow in the blood vessels.

What is the usual dosage for CLODREL 75?

The typical dosage of CLODREL 75 is one 75 mg tablet taken once daily. In some cases, such as for acute coronary syndrome or severe chest pain, your doctor might prescribe an initial loading dose of 300 mg (or occasionally 600 mg) to achieve a faster effect, followed by the regular 75 mg once-daily maintenance dose. It can be taken with or without food.

What are the possible side effects of CLODREL 75?

Common side effects can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, stomach ache, abdominal pain, and nosebleeds. An increased tendency for bleeding, such as easy bruising or longer time for bleeding to stop, is also common due to its blood-thinning properties.

Serious, though rare, side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe or uncontrolled bleeding (e.g., blood in urine or stool, bloody vomit, or vomit resembling coffee grounds), signs of a serious blood-clotting problem called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP, characterized by purplish spots under the skin, paleness, fatigue, fever, confusion), signs of liver problems (like yellowing of the skin or eyes/jaundice), or severe allergic reactions (e.g., hives, rash, swelling of the face/throat, difficulty breathing).

Is CLODREL 75 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: CLODREL 75 (Clopidogrel) is generally not recommended during pregnancy, but it may be prescribed if the benefits outweigh the risks. Current research has not established a direct link between clopidogrel use and fetal harm. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. Your doctor may advise stopping the medication 5 to 7 days before your due date to reduce the risk of serious bleeding during and after delivery.

Breastfeeding: It is not definitively known whether CLODREL 75 is safe to take while breastfeeding. While animal studies suggest it may pass into breast milk, reports in breastfed infants whose mothers took the drug have not shown negative effects. However, caution is advised, and your doctor may recommend monitoring the infant for any unusual bruising, bleeding, diarrhea, or irritability. For newborns or premature infants, an alternative medication might be preferred.

Can CLODREL 75 be taken with other medications?

CLODREL 75 can interact with several medications.

• Increased Bleeding Risk: Concomitant use with other "blood thinners" like warfarin, other antiplatelet medicines (including aspirin, though often prescribed together with careful monitoring), Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) can significantly increase the risk of bleeding.
• Reduced Effectiveness: Medications that interfere with the liver enzyme CYP2C19 (which activates clopidogrel) can reduce CLODREL 75's effectiveness. These include certain proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and esomeprazole, fluoxetine, fluconazole, and some opioid medications (e.g., codeine, morphine). Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, herbal products, and supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking CLODREL 75?

It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have any active bleeding conditions (such as a stomach ulcer or bleeding in the brain), a bleeding disorder, or severe liver disease, as CLODREL 75 is contraindicated in these situations. If you are scheduled for any surgery, including dental procedures, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking CLODREL 75, as you may need to temporarily stop the medication to prevent excessive bleeding.

You should be aware that you may bleed more easily or for a longer time than usual while on this medication. Report any unusual or uncontrolled bleeding to your doctor immediately. Some individuals have a genetic variation that reduces how effectively their body processes clopidogrel; your doctor may test for this and recommend an alternative if necessary.

What happens if a dose of CLODREL 75 is missed?

If you miss a dose of CLODREL 75, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

How should CLODREL 75 be stored?

CLODREL 75 should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). It is important to keep the tablets in their original packaging to protect them from moisture and direct sunlight. Temporary excursions outside this range (15° to 30°C or 59° to 86°F) are usually permitted.