What is this medication for?
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.
Ticlopidine is used to reduce the risk
of stroke for people who have had a stroke or have particular risk factors
for stroke. It is used when people cannot take aspirin. It may also be used
in combination with aspirin for people who are having a stent (a tube
used to keep a blood vessel open) implanted to reduce the risk of blood clots
developing in the stent.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Ticlid® is no longer being manufactured for sale in the USA.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
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 ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication 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 take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
It is very important that you keep your appointments for blood tests.
These tests will be required before you start taking ticlopidine and every 2
weeks for the first 3 months that you take the medication.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep
it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to ticlopidine or any ingredients of the medication
- are breast feeding
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- have certain blood disorders (such as neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, or a past history of TTP or aplastic anemia)
- have conditions associated with active bleeding such as bleeding peptic ulcer or bleeding in the head
- have severely reduced liver function