What Happens If I Take Double Dose Of Plavix (Clopidogrel) 75mg?
Plavix is a brand of clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in those at high risk. It is also used together with aspirin in heart attacks and following the placement of a coronary artery stent. It is taken by mouth. This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Plavix is broken down by your liver. Some people have genetic differences in how one of their liver enzymes works. This enzyme is called cytochrome p-450 2C19 (CYP2C19). This difference in function could make your liver process this drug more slowly, which could make the drug less effective. Your doctor may test you to see if you have this genetic difference. If you have it, your doctor will prescribe other treatments or drugs instead of Plavix
How Should Plavix be used?
The clopidogrel dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on the type of condition you’re using the drug to treat.Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.
Forms and strengths
Generic: Clopidogrel
Form: oral tablet
Strengths: 75 mg and 300 mg
Brand: Plavix
Form: oral tablet
Strengths: 75 mg and 300 mg
Dosage for acute coronary syndrome
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
Typical starting dosage: 300 mg, taken one time. Starting treatment without a loading dose will delay effects by several days.
Maintenance dosage: 75 mg, taken once per day.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)
This drug hasn’t been studied in children and shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.
Dosage for recent heart attack, recent stroke, or peripheral arterial disease
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
Typical dosage: 75 mg taken once per day.
Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)
This drug hasn’t been studied in children and shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.
What Happens If I Take Double Dose Of Plavix (Clopidogrel) 75mg?
Overdose following clopidogrel administration may result in bleeding complications. A single oral dose of clopidogrel at 1500 or 2000 mg/kg was lethal to mice and to rats and at 3000 mg/kg to baboons. Symptoms of acute toxicity were vomiting, prostration, difficult breathing, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in animals.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Plavix Safety Information
Clopidogrel must be changed to an active form in your body so that it can treat your condition. Some people do not change clopidogrel to its active form in the body as well as other people. Because the medication does not work as well in these people, they may be at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. There are tests available to identify people who have trouble changing clopidogrel to an active form. Talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested. If you are found to have difficulty converting clopidogrel to its active form, your doctor may change your dose of clopidogrel or tell you not to take clopidogrel.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with clopidogrel and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking clopidogrel.
