Aggrenox (Dipyridamole/ASA)

What is Aggrenox?

Aggrenox is a combination of two anti-platelet drugs, aspirin (which belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates), and dipyridamole.

What is Aggrenox used for?

Aggrenox is used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks or TIA), or strokes due to blood clots.

How does Aggrenox work?

Aggrenox works by stopping platelets from clumping together and thus keeping the blood flow to the brain. The medicine actually helps prevent the platelets from forming blood clots, which can lodge in the brain and cause ischemic stroke.

How to use Aggrenox

Aggrenox should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The capsule is usually taken twice daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. If you have an upset stomach, it is advisable to take this medicine with food. Do not break, crush or chew the capsule. Swallow it whole. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. After taking this medicine, do not lie down for at least half an hour.

Aggrenox warnings and precautions

Do not take Aggrenox if you are allergic to aspirin or dipyridamole (Persantine), or if you have nasal polyps, asthma, or a history of allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Indocin, Mobic, Feldene, etc.

Prior to taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, low blood pressure, history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, congestive heart failure, heart disease, or if you had a heart attack recently.

Aggrenox is not to be administered to a child or teenager who has fever, or symptoms of flu or chicken pox. If you need to undergo any kind of surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of this medicine. You may need to temporarily stop taking the medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol and taking over-the-counter pain killers without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Although Aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole, taking these medicines separately would no

What do I do if I have missed a Aggrenox dose?

If you have missed your Aggrenox dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Aggrenox overdose?

If you have taken an Aggrenox overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Aggrenox interactions

Before taking Aggrenox, consult your doctor if you are taking diabetes medicine (orally), acetazolamide (Diamox), methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); gout medications such as sulfinpyrazone (Anturane) or probenecid (Benemid); Alzheimer medicines such as galantamine (Reminyl), donepezil (Aricept), or rivastigmine (Exelon); ACE inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), etc.; a diuretic (water pill) such as furosemide (Lasix), amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, HCTZ, Vasoretic, Lopressor, Zestoretic), triamterene (Maxzide, Dyrenium, Dyazide), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), etc.; beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), carvedilol (Coreg), atenolol (Tenormin), timolol (Blocadren), esmolol (Brevibloc), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), etc.; seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Teg

Aggrenox side effects

Aggrenox side effects include hives, breathing trouble, weakness, bloody or tarry stools, vomit with blood, severe nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, fever that lasts for more than 3 days, hearing problems, swelling or pain that lasts for more than 10 days, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Aggrenox, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Mild nausea, diarrhea, headache, upset stomach, heartburn, drowsiness, and pain in joints are some less serious side effects of Aggrenox.