Pattern of clopidogrel exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 1998–2004

Abstract

Background. Information on the management of potentially adverse exposures to clopidogrel is limited. Methods. This study examined the distribution of 582 clopidogrel exposures reported to Texas poison control centers during 1998–2004. Results. Eighty-four percent of cases with a reported dose having a dose ≤150 mg. Management of 65% of the exposures occurred on site. Of those exposures with a final medical outcome, 73% were classified as no effect. Of those exposures to clopidogrel alone, the most frequent adverse clinical effects were vomiting (2.4%) and dizziness (2.4%). The most frequent treatments were decontamination by dilution (30%), food (12%), and activated charcoal (7%). Conclusion. In the majority of potentially adverse clopidogrel exposures reported to poison control centers the doses are twice the recommended dosage or less. The outcome of such exposures are generally favorable, with few adverse clinical effects occurring.

Keywords:

• Clopidogrel
• Poison control center
• Exposure management