HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Caused By Clopidogrel

default
Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Question: My husband had his second stent placed in the main artery of heart in XXXXXXX after a piece of plaque broke off and blocked it. He was prescribed Clopidogrel to keep his blood thin. He is having a reaction to it that involves a lot of gas, belching, feels like he is going to throw up, throat is tightening up. The discomfort is all in his throat making him feel that he is going to suffocate. Any suggestions? It feels like someone is choking him most of the time. He also takes a baby aspirin, Toprol, and Lipitor daily.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaddadi Suresh (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
antacids?

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Welcome to HCM.
Clopidogrel is known to produce gastritis, symptoms match exactly the same described by you; and so is asprin.
If you are sure clopidogrel is causing these symptoms, he may need an antacid like omeprazole or pantoprazole, which will help in many cases. In case he is not on these antacids, you can start them as they are available OTC.
If he is already using antacids and still have this chocking feeling, it could be because of
1.severe gastric ulcers caused by the drug, which requires change over to some other antiplatelet drug, which will be done by your cardiologist.
2. Ongoing heart disease can also resemble gastritis and hence needs to be ruled out by your cardiologist.
Please post if you have further queries.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaddadi Suresh

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 963 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Caused By Clopidogrel

Brief Answer: antacids? Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX Welcome to HCM. Clopidogrel is known to produce gastritis, symptoms match exactly the same described by you; and so is asprin. If you are sure clopidogrel is causing these symptoms, he may need an antacid like omeprazole or pantoprazole, which will help in many cases. In case he is not on these antacids, you can start them as they are available OTC. If he is already using antacids and still have this chocking feeling, it could be because of 1.severe gastric ulcers caused by the drug, which requires change over to some other antiplatelet drug, which will be done by your cardiologist. 2. Ongoing heart disease can also resemble gastritis and hence needs to be ruled out by your cardiologist. Please post if you have further queries.