Proper Use of This Medicine

Ticlopidine should be taken with food. This increases the amount of medicine that is absorbed into the body. It may also lessen the chance of stomach upset.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Ticlopidine will not work properly if you take less of it than directed. Taking more ticlopidine than directed may increase the chance of serious side effects without increasing the helpful effects.

Dosing—Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following dose was used, and found effective, in studies. However, some people may need a different dose. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For prevention of strokes:
    • Adults—1 tablet (250 mg) two times a day, with food.
    • Children—It is not likely that ticlopidine would be used to help prevent strokes in children. If a child needs this medicine, however, the dose would have to be determined by the doctor.
  • For prevention of strokes or heart attack following heart stent procedure:
    • Adults—1 tablet (250 mg) two times a day, with food together with your doctor's recommended dose of aspirin for up to 30 days following the procedure
    • Children—It is not likely that ticlopidine would be used to help prevent strokes or heart attack in children. If a child needs this medicine, however, the dose would have to be determined by the doctor

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.