Clopidogrel Compounded Oral Suspension

Description

Clopidogrel Compounded Oral Suspension is a prescription antiplatelet medication prepared for dogs and cats requiring individualized oral dosing. Veterinarians may prescribe clopidogrel to help reduce the risk of abnormal blood clot formation in animals with certain cardiovascular or other medical conditions.

Clopidogrel is commonly used in cats at increased risk of arterial thromboembolism, including cats with certain forms of heart disease. It may also be prescribed for dogs when antiplatelet therapy is medically appropriate.

This compounded oil based oral suspension provides an alternative dosage form when a commercially manufactured medication does not meet an individual pet's needs. Veterinary use of clopidogrel is extra-label, and compounded preparations are not FDA approved finished drug products.

Uses & Benefits

• Helps reduce platelet aggregation

• May help lower the risk of certain blood clots

• Commonly prescribed for cats at increased risk of arterial thromboembolism

• May be included in veterinarian directed cardiovascular treatment plans

• Provides antiplatelet activity for dogs and cats when medically appropriate

• Offers an individualized oral liquid dosing option

How It Works

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet activation and aggregation.

After conversion to its active metabolite, clopidogrel irreversibly blocks P2Y12 receptors on platelets, reducing the effects of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) on platelet activation.

This action helps prevent platelets from sticking together and forming certain types of blood clots. The antiplatelet effect persists for the remaining lifespan of affected platelets.

Indications

Reduction of Platelet Aggregation / Prevention of Certain Arterial Thromboembolic Events / Thromboembolism Risk Associated With Feline Cardiomyopathy / Other Veterinarian Diagnosed Conditions Requiring Antiplatelet Therapy

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Clopidogrel Bisulfate

Inactive Ingredients:

Oil Based Compounding Vehicle / Chicken Flavoring

Refer to the dispensing pharmacy for complete formulation specific inactive ingredient information.

Directions

Follow the prescription label exactly and veterinarian directions.

Administer orally using the provided dosing syringe. The prescribed amount and frequency depend on the animal's condition, medical history, and veterinarian's instructions.

Do not change the prescribed dose, frequency, or duration of treatment without veterinarian authorization.

Handling of Your Oil Based Compounded Liquid

This compounded prescription is an oil based suspension that may naturally separate into two liquid phases during storage. The oil may rise toward the top while suspended medication settles toward the bottom.

• Shake the bottle thoroughly before every dose to evenly redistribute the medication.

• Make sure the suspension is uniformly mixed before measuring each dose.

• Keep the bottle securely closed when not in use.

• Do not add water or other liquids to the medication.

• If the medication does not mix evenly after thorough shaking, contact the dispensing pharmacy before administering.

Dosing Instructions

Each compounded liquid is dispensed with a clear bottle adapter that seals the top of the prescription bottle. Do not remove this adapter.

1. Shake the bottle thoroughly before every dose.

2. Pull the dosing syringe plunger back to the prescribed dose line.

3. Insert the tip of the dosing syringe firmly into the center of the bottle adapter.

4. With the syringe fully inserted, turn the bottle upside down while holding it securely.

5. Push the syringe plunger completely inward.

6. Slowly pull the plunger back until the prescribed amount of medication has been drawn into the syringe.

7. Check the syringe to confirm the correct volume has been measured and remove any large air bubbles.

8. Turn the bottle upright before removing the syringe.

9. Remove the syringe from the bottle adapter. The adapter will self-seal.

10. Slowly administer the measured medication into the side of your pet's mouth, allowing time to swallow.

Use only an appropriately sized oral dosing syringe with clearly marked measurements. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons.

Caring for Your Dosing Syringe

Oil based compounded medications may leave residue inside the dosing syringe, causing the plunger to drag or become difficult to move.

To help maintain proper syringe function:

1. Remove the plunger from the syringe barrel after administration if the syringe is designed to be disassembled.

2. Rinse the syringe barrel and plunger thoroughly with warm water.

3. Wash with a small amount of mild dish soap to remove remaining oil residue.

4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.

5. Allow the syringe and plunger to dry completely before reassembling and using again.

Do not boil, microwave, or place the syringe in a dishwasher unless permitted by the manufacturer.

Replace the syringe if it becomes damaged, the plunger no longer moves smoothly, or the measurement markings become difficult to read.

Cautions

• Prescription medication for veterinarian directed use.

• Compounded clopidogrel is not an FDA approved finished drug product.

• Use cautiously in animals with bleeding disorders or an increased risk of bleeding.

• Do not use in animals with active significant bleeding unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.

• Clopidogrel may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, dental procedures, or following injury.

• Tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your pet receives, particularly anticoagulants, other antiplatelet medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Do not combine clopidogrel with aspirin or other medications affecting blood clotting unless specifically prescribed.

• Contact your veterinarian immediately if unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, blood in the urine or stool, or other signs of bleeding develop.

• Do not discontinue treatment without veterinarian authorization.

• Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Possible Side Effects

Vomiting / Diarrhea / Decreased Appetite / Bruising / Nosebleeds / Blood in Urine or Stool / Prolonged Bleeding / Gastrointestinal Bleeding / Weakness Associated With Blood Loss / Other Bleeding Complications

Precautions

A veterinarian should evaluate the animal's underlying medical condition and risk of thrombosis before prescribing clopidogrel.

Clopidogrel may be prescribed as part of a broader cardiovascular treatment plan. It helps reduce platelet aggregation but does not directly dissolve existing blood clots.

Animals receiving clopidogrel should be monitored for signs of bleeding. Additional veterinary examinations or laboratory testing may be recommended depending on the animal's condition and concurrent medications.

Tell your veterinarian before any planned surgery, dental procedure, or other invasive treatment. Do not stop clopidogrel before a procedure unless the prescribing veterinarian directs you to do so.

Use cautiously in animals with significant liver disease, gastrointestinal ulceration, recent trauma, or other conditions associated with increased bleeding risk.

Use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals only when the veterinarian determines that the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Because this medication is individually compounded, follow the specific prescription and monitoring instructions provided by the veterinarian and dispensing pharmacy.

Storage

Store this compounded oil based oral suspension at room temperature according to the prescription label. Refrigeration is not required unless specifically directed by the dispensing pharmacy.

Keep the bottle tightly closed and protect it from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and freezing.

Separation of the oil based suspension during storage is normal. Shake thoroughly before every dose.

Do not use after the beyond use date printed on the prescription label.

Disposal

Dispose of unused or expired Clopidogrel Compounded Oral Suspension through a medication take-back program when available or according to applicable local medication disposal requirements. Do not administer leftover medication to another animal. Keep discarded medication, dosing syringes, and packaging securely inaccessible to children and animals.