Brand names: Pletal
Pletal helps relieve the painful leg cramps caused by "intermittent claudication," a condition that results when arteries clogged with fatty plaque are unable to deliver an adequate blood supply to the muscles of the legs. Pletal helps the blood get through by dilating the blood vessels and preventing blood cells from clumping together.
Although Pletal sometimes provides relief within the first 2 to 4 weeks, it may take up to 12 weeks for leg cramps to subside.
Pletal is taken twice a day, at least half an hour before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Pletal.
If you suffer from congestive heart failure, a bleeding peptic ulcer, or bleeding in the brain, you should not take Pletal. You should also avoid taking the drug if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Except in people with a weak heart or liver or kidney disease, Pletal appears to pose no dangers. Its long-term effects are, however, still unknown.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Pletal. The juice can cause an unwanted increase in the drug's effects.
If Pletal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pletal with the following:Antifungal drugs such as Diflucan, Monistat, Nizoral, and SporanoxAntiplatelet agents such as clopidogrel (Plavix)AspirinErythromycin antibiotics such as Ery-Tab and ErycFluoxetine (Prozac)FluvoxamineDiltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)Lovastatin (Mevacor)Nefazodone (Serzone)Omeprazole (Prilosec)Sertraline (Zoloft)
The possibility of harm from Pletal during pregnancy has not been ruled out. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Pletal may appear in breast milk, and could affect a nursing infant. You should discontinue Pletal if you choose to breastfeed.
ADULTS
The recommended dose is 100 milligrams twice a day. The doctor may reduce the dose to 50 milligrams twice daily if you are taking a drug with which Pletal may interact.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.