R 196 White Round Pill: Clopidogrel Identifier

Clopidogrel bisulfate is commonly identified by the R 196 pill white round 11mm. It is a medication used in cardiovascular care as an antiplatelet agent. This page explains what the pill is, how clopidogrel works, and what to check for when reviewing safety, interactions, and warnings.

What is clopidogrel?

Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor. It has been used in the United States since 1997 and is prescribed to help reduce the risk of blood clots in certain cardiovascular conditions.

It is commonly used in acute coronary syndrome, which includes conditions such as myocardial infarction and stroke. It is also used in people with established peripheral arterial disease to help prevent cardiovascular events.

In some cases, clopidogrel is prescribed together with aspirin as part of antiplatelet therapy, especially in patients with coronary artery disease or after certain cardiovascular procedures.

How clopidogrel works

Clopidogrel works by blocking the P2Y12 receptor on platelets. This helps prevent adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets, which reduces platelet aggregation.

This action helps lower the chance of clot formation in people at risk of cardiovascular events. The medicine must be converted in the body by the CYP2C19 enzyme before it becomes active.

Because of this, people who are poor metabolizers of CYP2C19 may not respond to clopidogrel as well as expected. A healthcare professional may consider this when reviewing treatment response.

What the R 196 pill looks like

The pill identified here is described as:

• Imprint: R 196
• Color: White
• Shape: Round
• Size: 11 mm

Pill appearance can vary by manufacturer, packaging, and region. If a tablet does not match all identifying details, it should not be assumed to be the same medicine.

Dosage information

Clopidogrel dosing depends on the condition being treated and the prescribing plan. The original content notes that treatment for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome may begin with a 300 mg loading dose, followed by a 75 mg daily maintenance dose.

For established cardiovascular conditions, the regimen may be adjusted based on individual risk factors and treatment response. Clopidogrel is often used with aspirin in some treatment plans.

Because dosing can vary, the safest approach is to follow the prescription label and confirm any questions with a healthcare professional or the official patient leaflet.

Warnings and precautions

Clopidogrel carries important bleeding-related precautions. It should not be used in people with active bleeding or a known hypersensitivity to the medicine.

People taking clopidogrel should be monitored for signs of bleeding, especially if they also use medicines that can increase bleeding risk.

• Watch for unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Use caution with NSAIDs or warfarin.
• Consider the effect of CYP2C19 metabolism on response.

Common adverse reactions

The most important adverse reactions associated with clopidogrel involve bleeding. This may include minor bleeding such as bruising or nosebleeds, and in some cases more serious bleeding.

Other reactions mentioned in the source content include gastrointestinal discomfort and rash. Any new or worsening symptom should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Medication interactions to review

Clopidogrel can interact with other medicines in ways that may reduce its effect or increase bleeding risk.

Medicines that inhibit CYP2C19, such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, should be reviewed carefully. The combination of clopidogrel with anticoagulants, NSAIDs, or other antiplatelet agents may also increase bleeding risk.

Always tell your healthcare provider about prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements before using clopidogrel.

What to verify on a pill identifier

If you are trying to identify a tablet, check more than one detail before drawing a conclusion:

• Imprint code
• Color
• Shape
• Size
• Any score line or coating

If the pill is damaged, split, or partially unreadable, identification may be less reliable. A pharmacist can help confirm the medicine using the full imprint and packaging details.

Related questions

What is a white pill with R196 on it?

The white round pill marked R 196 is identified here as clopidogrel bisulfate, an antiplatelet medicine.

What kind of pill is meloxicam?

Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain and inflammation related to arthritis. It is different from clopidogrel.

What kind of pill is nabumetone?

Nabumetone is also an NSAID used for pain and inflammation. It is not the same as clopidogrel.

What does tramadol acetaminophen look like?

Tramadol acetaminophen products can vary in appearance by manufacturer. The imprint, color, shape, and size should be checked carefully.

Safety reminder

If a pill is unknown, damaged, or does not match the description exactly, do not take it until it has been verified by a qualified professional. If there is any concern about accidental ingestion or a possible medication error, contact a poison center or emergency services right away.

Frequently asked questions

Sources to verify

For the most accurate identification and safety information, check the official product label, a pharmacist, or a trusted pill identifier database.