Ticlid

Common Name: ticlopidine

How does Ticlid work?

Ticlopidine belongs to the class of medications called antiplatelets. It works by preventing certain types of blood cells, called platelets, from sticking together to form a blood clot. It is used to reduce the risk of stroke for people who have had a stroke or have particular risk factors for stroke. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Ticlid?

The usual recommended adult dose of ticlopidine is 250 mg twice daily. Ticlopidine should always be taken with or just after food to avoid stomach upset. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the one given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. It is also very important that you keep your appointments for blood tests. These tests will be required before you start taking ticlopidine and every two weeks for the first three months that you take the medication.

What form(s) does Ticlid come in?

Each oval, white, film-coated tablet, printed in blue ink with "Ticlid" above half an arrow on one side and "250" above half an arrow on the other side, contains ticlopidine 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients include citric acid, cornstarch, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, stearic acid powder, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, and water. This medication does not contain gluten or tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Ticlid?

Ticlopidine should not be taken by anyone with: an allergy to ticlopidine or to other ingredients of the tablet certain blood disorders (such as neutropenia or thrombocytopenia) conditions associated with active bleeding such as bleeding peptic ulcer or bleeding in the head severely reduced liver function

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Ticlid?

Blood cell problems: About 2.4% of people taking ticlopidine develop neutropenia (a lowering of white blood cells that fight infection in the body). The incidence of severe neutropenia is about 0.8%. Severe neutropenia occurs during the first 3 to 12 weeks of therapy and may develop quickly over a few days. The condition may be life-threatening. It is usually reversible; recovery usually occurs within one to three weeks after stopping the medication, but may take longer on occasion. Thrombocytopenia (severe lowering of the platelets that help to clot the blood) has been observed in 0.4% of people taking ticlopidine. Thrombocytopenia occurs during the first 3 to 12 weeks of therapy, and recovery usually occurs after the medication is stopped. All people taking ticlopidine need to have lab tests every two weeks starting from before the medication is begun to the end of the third month of treatment. This is to rule out any blood cell problems as described above. Blood clotting: Prolongation of bleeding time (or time to clot) occurs for people treated with ticlopidine. Report any signs of unexpected bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, excessive bruising, black tarry stools) to your doctor. Avoid taking other blood thinners (e.g., ASA, warfarin) unless directed by your doctor, as the tolerance and safety of using these together with ticlopidine have not been established. Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, make sure to inform all doctors involved that you are taking this medication. Pregnancy: The safety of ticlopidine use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women. Breast-feeding: Ticlopidine passes into breast milk. It should not be used by breast-feeding women unless, in the opinion of the doctor, it is essential for the health of the mother. Children: The safety of this medication has not been established for use by children. Ticlopidine should not be taken by this age group.