Drug Class: Dual Antiplatelet Agent | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Ascard Plus Tablet? Ascard Plus is a fixed-dose combination of Aspirin 81mg and Clopidogrel 75mg — two antiplatelet medicines that work together to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming inside blood vessels. Each ingredient blocks a different pathway that causes platelets (blood cells) to stick together — making their combined effect significantly stronger than either medicine alone. It is prescribed for patients who have had a heart attack, stroke, or who have had a stent placed in their heart, where strong clot prevention is critical to survival and recovery.
What is Ascard Plus Used For?
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) — unstable angina or heart attack (دل کا دورہ) — to prevent repeat events
- Post-stent thrombosis prevention — after coronary artery stent placement (خون کی نالی میں اسٹینٹ)
- Stroke prevention — reducing risk of ischaemic stroke in high-risk cardiovascular patients (فالج)
- High-risk cardiovascular disease — patients with established heart or artery disease requiring long-term clot prevention
How Does Ascard Plus Work?
Aspirin 81mg: Blocks COX-1 enzyme permanently, stopping platelets from producing Thromboxane A2 — a chemical that causes platelets to clump together and blood vessels to narrow.
Clopidogrel 75mg: Blocks the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing ADP (a separate chemical signal) from activating platelet clumping through an entirely different pathway.
Combined Effect: Because both medicines block different clotting pathways simultaneously, their combined antiplatelet effect is far stronger — reducing the chance of a life-threatening clot forming in arteries or around a stent.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop this medicine without consulting your doctor — sudden stopping increases the risk of heart attack or stent blockage.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| ACS / Post-stent | 1 tablet | Once daily |
| Stroke / CVD prevention | 1 tablet | Once daily |
- Take at the same time each day — with or after food to reduce stomach irritation
- Swallow whole with a full glass of water
- Never double the dose if you miss one — skip and continue the next day
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) | 81mg |
| Clopidogrel | 75mg |
Who Should NOT Take Ascard Plus?
- Active stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Allergy to Aspirin, Clopidogrel, or any antiplatelet medicine
- Severe liver disease
- Currently taking other blood thinners without doctor guidance (e.g., Warfarin)
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy — consult doctor immediately
Consult your doctor before use if you have: kidney or liver disease, history of stomach ulcers, asthma, planned surgery, or are taking NSAIDs or antidepressants.
Side Effects
Common:
- Easy bruising or bleeding that takes longer to stop
- Stomach discomfort, nausea, or indigestion
- Mild headache or dizziness
Serious — Stop and seek emergency care immediately:
- Unusual or excessive bleeding — vomiting blood, black tarry stools, blood in urine (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Severe allergic reaction — facial swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash
- Signs of stroke — sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Warfarin / Heparin | Greatly increased bleeding risk — requires close medical monitoring |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | Increased gastrointestinal bleeding — avoid combination |
| PPIs (e.g., Omeprazole) | Some PPIs reduce Clopidogrel effectiveness — doctor may switch to Pantoprazole |
| SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine) | Increased bleeding risk — inform your doctor |
| Methotrexate | Aspirin increases Methotrexate toxicity — avoid |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases stomach bleeding risk — avoid completely |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I stop Ascard Plus if I feel fine? Never stop this medicine without your doctor's permission — stopping suddenly after a stent or heart attack can cause a dangerous blood clot within days.
Q: Do I need a stomach protector medicine with Ascard Plus? Yes — your doctor will often prescribe a stomach-protecting medicine (PPI) alongside Ascard Plus to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Q: What should I do if I get a cut or bleed while on Ascard Plus? Apply firm pressure to the wound for longer than usual — if bleeding does not stop within 10–15 minutes or is heavy, seek medical attention immediately.
Q: Is Ascard Plus safe for long-term use? Yes, when prescribed for heart or stent patients — but only under regular medical supervision with periodic check-ups to monitor for bleeding complications.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This description is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing this medicine. Never stop antiplatelet therapy without medical guidance.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Required (Rx) | Take as prescribed — never stop without doctor's advice — avoid NSAIDs and alcohol during treatment