Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Ticlopidine is an anticoagulant which interferes with the ability of platelets to form a blood clot. It is use to prevent strokes in persons experiencing symptoms suggesting an impending stroke to prevent or reduce the severity of future strokes.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is diarrhea (13%) followed by nausea (7%) and heartburn (7%). Ticlopidine can cause depression of white blood cells (neutropenia) and your physician will perform periodic blood tests to monitor this possibility.
Drug Interactions
Use with aspirin is not recommended! Cimetadine (Tagemet) can increase blood levels by over 50% and increase side effects proportionally. Ticlopidine will reduce the blood level and activity of theophylline-containing products used to treat asthma. Ticlopidine may displace phenytoin (Dilantin) from blood stores and temporarily increase the blood level and side effects.
Cautions and Contraindications
Use with great caution in presence of any disorders of the blood.
Usual Dose
The usual dose is 250 mg (1 tablet) taken two times a day with food.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.