Aggrenox (ASA + Dipyridamole)

Description

Aggrenox is a medicine used to help prevent another stroke in people who have had an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole helps prevent blood clots by making blood platelets less likely to stick together. The two medicines work in different ways, which may provide more protection than either medicine alone.

Directions

Take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, with or without food. Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, break, or open it because this will damage how the medicine releases. Keep taking it exactly as prescribed, even if you feel well. Store the capsules at room temperature in their original container, protected from moisture.

Ingredients

The active ingredients in Aggrenox are aspirin and dipyridamole. Inactive ingredients may include acacia, aluminum stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, dimethicone, hypromellose, hypromellose phthalate, lactose monohydrate, methacrylic acid copolymer, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, stearic acid, sucrose, talc, tartaric acid, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. The capsule shell contains gelatin, red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and water. The capsules may contain lactose and sucrose.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Expect to bruise more easily and to bleed for longer from cuts. Tell your prescriber about any blood thinner, other antiplatelet drug, heparin, anagrelide, or regular NSAID use, since each one adds to the bleeding risk.
• Mention any history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, and avoid Aggrenox altogether if you have an active ulcer.
• Limit alcohol use, and talk to your healthcare provider if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, since that combination can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Tell your healthcare provider about reduced kidney function or liver problems, as aspirin may need to be avoided.
• Consult a healthcare provider if you have coronary artery disease or angina. Dipyridamole widens blood vessels and can cause or worsen chest pain.
• Get up slowly if you already have low blood pressure, since vasodilating effects can make it drop further.
• Stop the capsules 48 hours before a pharmacological stress test and remind your care team that you take dipyridamole.
• Tell your dentist or surgeon about the use of this medication before any procedure.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to be, since aspirin is generally avoided in the third trimester.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Hypersensitivity to aspirin, dipyridamole, or any other ingredient of the capsule
• A known allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• The combination of asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyps, since aspirin may trigger severe hives, swelling, or bronchospasm in those cases
• Use in a child or teenager with a viral infection, since aspirin carries a risk of Reye syndrome

Side Effects

Common side effects of Aggrenox include:

• Headache, especially in the first few weeks
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Bruising more easily than usual

Get emergency help for signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, including vomit that looks like coffee grounds, vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or red blood in the stool. Call emergency services for a sudden severe headache with drowsiness or confusion, fainting, weakness, numbness, severe chest pain, or difficulty speaking. Contact your healthcare provider about yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, itching, or loss of appetite, all of which can indicate a liver problem.

References

Aggrenox Prescribing Information. Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2021.

Aggrenox Drug Label Information. Roanoke, VA: Carilion Materials Management; 2015.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....