Ticlopidine is used to lessen the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. It works by preventing red blood cells (platelets) from sticking or adhering to each other. Ticlopidine is usually used for patients who cannot take aspirin.

Ticlopidine Facts
Brand name (manufacturer): Ticlid (Roche)

Type of drug: Antiplatelet agent

Ingredient: Ticlopidine

Dosage form: Tablets (250 mg)

Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Do not expose to excess heat.

Treatment

Take ticlopidine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Using more than your doctor prescribed may increase the chance
of bleeding or other side effects. To avoid stomach irritation, take it with food (unless your doctor tells you to do otherwise).

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as
possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do
not take the missed dose at all. Just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses.

Side Effects

Minor: Bloating or gas, diarrhea, dizziness, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to ticlopidine.

If ticlopidine makes you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pressing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about black, tarry stools; blood in the urine or stools; purple or red spots on the skin; severe or bloody diarrhea; severe stomach pain; signs of an infection (fever, chills, sore throat, or white spots in the mouth); skin rash; sudden or severe headaches; unusual bleeding or bruising; vomiting of blood or coffee-groundlike material; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Interactions

Ticlopidine may interact with a number of other drugs:

  • Aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and similar medications, may increase the risk of bleeding.

  • Ticlopidine may increase the side effects of phenytoin.

  • The use of warfarin (a blood thinner) during treatment with ticlopidine may increase the risk of bleeding.

  • Ticlopidine may reduce the effects of theophylline, aminophylline, or digoxin.

  • Antacids may prevent the absorption of ticlopidine from the stomach. You should wait one to two hours after taking any antacids before taking ticlopidine.

Warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ticlopidine or to any other medication.

  • Before starting ticlopidine, be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or ever had any major medical problems, especially bleeding problems, stomach or ulcer problems, or liver problems.

  • Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding while taking ticlopidine, including bleeding from the gums, nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool, or vomiting of blood or coffee-groundlike material.

  • Because of the risk of bleeding, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking ticlopidine before having any surgical, dental, or other medical procedure. Your doctor may want you to stop taking this medication before undergoing surgery or dental procedures.

  • If ticlopidine makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Although birth defects have not been documented in animals, it is unknown if the drug is safe to take during human pregnancy. It is also not known if ticlopidine passes into human breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant and discuss the risks and benefits of ticlopidine.