clopidogrel

Assessment

• Assess patient for symptoms of stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or MI periodically during therapy.

• Monitor patient for signs of thrombotic thrombocytic purpura (thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, neurologic findings, renal dysfunction, fever). May rarely occur, even after short exposure (<2 wk). Requires prompt treatment.

• Monitor bleeding time during therapy. Prolonged bleeding time, which is time- and dose-dependent, is expected.

» Monitor CBC with differential and platelet count periodically during therapy. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia may rarely occur.

» May cause ↑ serum bilirubin, hepatic enzymes, total cholesterol, nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), and uric acid concentrations.