Aggrenox

Common use

Aggrenox contains a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole. Aspirin belongs to a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Dipyridamole keeps platelets in your blood from sticking together to form clots. Aggrenox is used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had blood clots or a "mini-stroke" (also called a transient ischemic attack or TIA).

Dosage and direction

Take Aggrenox exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription or instruction. You may take Aggrenox with or without food. Do not chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not stop taking Aggrenox unless your doctor tells you to.

Precautions

This medicine can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury such as a fall or a bump on the head. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you fall or hit your head, or have any bleeding that will not stop.
If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using Aggrenox. You may need to stop for a short time to prevent excessive bleeding.
If you need a stress test for your heart, tell your healthcare provider you are taking Aggrenox. You may need to stop taking this medicine 48 hours before your test.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Aggrenox. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Contraindications

You should not use Aggrenox if you are allergic to aspirin or dipyridamole, or if you have ever had: asthma in combination with polyps in your nose; or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.
To make sure Aggrenox is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: a stomach ulcer or bleeding; bleeding problems; heart problems; low blood pressure; or myasthenia gravis.
Taking aspirin during late pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother or the baby during delivery. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Do not use any other over-the-counter pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Aspirin, salicylates, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are contained in many medicines available over the counter.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Aggrenox: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have: new or worsening chest pain; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; hearing problems, ringing in your ears; liver problems - upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); signs of stomach bleeding - stomach pain, severe heartburn, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or signs of bleeding in the brain - confusion, memory problems, severe headache, fainting.
Common Aggrenox side effects may include: headache; heartburn, upset stomach; nausea, stomach pain; or diarrhea.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: acetazolamide; methotrexate; probenecid; heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease; medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots, such as anagrelide, heparin, or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); oral diabetes medicine; seizure medication; or a NSAID - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include warmth or tingly feeling, sweating, restlessness, dizziness, weakness, fast heartbeats, or ringing in your ears.

Storage

Store this medicine in its original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.