Ticlopidine is used to prevent stroke. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Ticlopidine belongs to a class of medications called antiplatelets. Antiplatelets are used to prevent blood clots from forming by making the blood less “sticky”. By preventing blood clots, this reduces the risk of you having a heart attack or stroke. This medication may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• This medicine should be taken with or after food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• You have kidney or liver problems.
• You have a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeds, bleeding in the brain or other bleeding problems.
• You have low white blood cell or platelet count. 
• You are planned for any medical procedures, surgeries or dental procedures as this medication may need to be stopped temporarily before the procedure to prevent excessive bleeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. 

What are some common side effects of this medication?

• Stomach discomfort or irritation, diarrhoea 
• Mild bleeding such as: 
  • Unexplained nosebleed
  • Bleeding from gums when brushing teeth. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid gum bleeds.
  • Bleeding from small cuts for 10-15 minutes even as you apply pressure on the wound. Check with your doctor if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes or if you feel unwell.
  • Menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal. However, heavy menstrual bleeding can also happen for other reasons. Do check with your doctor if you feel unwell.
• Inform your healthcare professional if these side-effects do not go away or are troubling you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

• Patients taking Ticlopidine may have an increased risk of bleeding. If you experience any serious bleeding, you should stop your medication and inform your doctor immediately.
• Serious bleeding may include one or more of the following: 
  • Blood in the urine
  • Black and sticky stools (if you are not using iron supplements at the same time)
  • Unexplained bruises
  • Coughing up blood or vomit similar to that of coffee grounds-like vomit
  • Sudden severe headache with nausea, loss of consciousness or difficulty speaking. 
• Very rarely, Ticlopidine may cause blood disorders such as low platelet or white blood cell count. Inform your doctor if you have:
  • Fever, flu, sore throat or ulcers in mouth that do not go away 
  • Purple bruises and/or red or purple dots on skin 
  • Difficulty speaking, seizures, weakness 
  • Fast heart rate or shortness of breath
• Very rarely, Ticlopidine may cause liver problems. Stop this medication and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:
  • Dark brown urine, light coloured stools (pale grey/ clay coloured), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eye 
• Ticlopidine may also cause allergic reactions. The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

• This medication may interact with other medications and affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side-effects, or vice versa. However, these medications may also be important for your treatment. Inform your healthcare professional of the other medications you are currently taking. 
• Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on April 2025