Ticlopidine - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Ticlopidine is an antiplatelet drug that works by inhibiting blood platelets (platelets) from sticking together to prevent clotting. This drug is often used to reduce the risk of stroke due to blockage (ischemic stroke).

This drug is used to prevent stroke in someone who cannot take aspirin or when aspirin is not effective at preventing stroke. However, ticlopidine can also be used in combination with aspirin to prevent blood clots after the ringing procedure (stent) on the blood vessels of the heart.

Trademark: Ticard, Ticuring, and Ticlophar.

What is Ticlopidine?

groupAntiplatelet
CategoryPrescription drugs
BenefitPrevent blood clots and stroke
Consumed byAdult (over 18 years old)
Ticlopidine for pregnant and lactating womenCategory B: Studies in animal experiments have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.

It is not known whether ticlopidine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

Drug formTablet

Warnings Before Taking Ticlopidine

  • Do not take ticlopidine if you are allergic to this drug or to other antiplatelet drugs, such as clopidogrel.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, hypercholesterolemia, peptic ulcers, and bleeding in the brain or digestive tract.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a blood disorder, such as aplastic anemia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemophilia, or von Willebrand disease.
  • Tell your doctor if you are or plan to take any other medicines, including vitamin supplements or herbal remedies.
  • Tell your doctor if you plan to have any vaccinations or surgery, including dental surgery.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking ticlopidine because it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
  • Avoid collisions and be more careful when moving while taking ticlopedin, because taking this drug can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • If you experience bleeding, an infectious disease, an allergic drug reaction, or symptoms of an overdose after taking ticlopidine, call your doctor immediately.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Ticlopidine

Ticlopidine is only given to adults and the dose will be adjusted according to the patient's condition. In general, the following doses of ticlopidine:

  • To prevent clogging after installation stent on the heart, the dose is 250 mg twice a day for 1 month. Ticlopidine is generally taken with aspirin.
  • To prevent stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral artery disease, the dose is 250 mg 2 times a day.

How to Use Ticlopidine Correctly

Take ticlopidine according to the doctor's recommendations and the instructions for use on the drug packaging. Do not stop using ticlopedin carelessly, even if the complaints and symptoms have subsided.

Ticlopidine can be taken after meals. Try to consume it regularly at the same time every day for optimal benefits.

Ticlopidine can make the patient more susceptible to infection. Therefore, avoid direct contact with people with infectious diseases that are easily transmitted, such as flu and smallpox, while using ticlopidine.

Ticlopidine can also make the patient bleed more easily. Therefore, be careful when doing activities, especially activities that have the potential to cause injury, such as brushing your teeth or shaving.

While using ticlopidine, do not get vaccinated without your doctor's permission. You will be advised to have regular blood tests for the first 3 months after taking ticlopidine or as advised by your doctor. This is done to monitor the results of therapy.

If you forget to take ticlopidine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the distance to the next scheduled use of the drug is too close, proceed directly to the next dose and do not double the dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.

Ticlopidine Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several interactions that may occur when taking ticlopidine with other medicines, including:

  • Increased risk of bleeding, when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen or anticoagulant drugs, such as enoxaparin, heparin, and warfarin
  • Decreased effectiveness of the drug, when used with antacids
  • Decreased effectiveness of other antiplatelet drugs, such as clopidogrel
  • Increased risk of phenytoin and theophylline side effects

In addition to the drugs mentioned above, taking ticlopidine along with Ginkgo biloba or Kangen-karyu may increase the risk of bleeding.

Side Effects and Dangers of Ticlopidine

Ticlopidine may cause some of the following side effects:

  • Stomach pain or bloating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Itchy skin
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite

If these side effects do not subside and feel more severe, immediately consult a doctor. You are also advised to go to the doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:

  • Bleeding cough
  • Bloody or darker colored urine
  • Bloody or dark stools
  • Bleeding gums or nosebleeds that are hard to stop
  • Bruises or red spots appear on the skin
  • Severe fatigue
  • No appetite
  • Symptoms of infection, such as fever, cough, or sore throat
  • Seizures
  • Skin and eyes look yellow (jaundice)