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Why is this medication prescribed?
Ticlopidine is used to reduce the risk of stroke. It works by preventing excessive blood clotting.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Ticlopidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ticlopidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take ticlopidine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ticlopidine without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Ticlopidine also is used before open heart surgery and in the treatment of sickle cell disease, certain types of kidney disease (primary glomerulonephritis), and blocked arteries in the legs. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ticlopidine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ticlopidine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), digoxin (Lanoxin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
- if you also take antacids (Maalox, Mylanta) take them 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking ticlopidine.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, bleeding disorders, bleeding ulcers, low blood cell counts (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, TTP), kidney disease, high blood cholesterol, or high blood fats (triglycerides).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ticlopidine, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ticlopidine. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking ticlopidine 10-14 days before your procedure. Follow these directions.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Take ticlopidine with meals or just after eating to prevent upset stomach.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from ticlopidine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- gas
- headache
- itching
If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- light-colored stools
- skin rash
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.
What other information should I know?
Ticlopidine prevents blood from clotting so it may take longer than usual for you to stop bleeding if you are cut or injured. Avoid activities that have a high risk of causing injury. Call your doctor if bleeding is unusual.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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