Indications 

Aggrenox is a prescription medication used to mitigate stroke in patients who have suffered from transient ischemia of the brain or a completed ischemic stroke due to thrombosis. 

Aggrenox is a combination antiplatelet agent containing a very low dose of aspirin and dipyridamole in extended-release form.  

Aspirin works by reducing pain, fever, and inflammation-causing substances in the body, while dipyridamole prevents blood clots by inhibiting platelets from clumping together, thus helping to maintain blood flow to the brain and preventing ischemic stroke. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Aggrenox and with each prescription refill, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions or concerns. 

Aggrenox dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. It is usually taken twice a day, one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, without regard to food intake. 

To avoid the potential risk of side effects, swallow the capsule entirely, without opening, crushing, breaking, or chewing it, as this can cause the drug to release all at once. 

If intolerable headaches occur during initial treatment, switching to low-dose aspirin in the morning and one Aggrenox capsule at bedtime is recommended. However, because the efficacy of this regimen is unknown and headaches tend to diminish over time, patients should return to the usual regimen within a week. 

For optimal results, take Aggrenox regularly around the same time daily, exactly as prescribed. Refrain from altering the dose or discontinuing its use without consulting your doctor. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Aggrenox. If any of these symptoms persist or get worse, inform your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache 
• Upset stomach and heartburn 
• Nausea and stomach pain 
• Diarrhea 

 Serious Side Effects 

• New or worsening chest pain 
• Feeling light-headed, like you may pass out 
• Hearing problems, including ringing in your ears 
• Symptoms of liver problems: 
  • Upper stomach pain 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Itching 
  • Dark urine 
  • Clay-colored stools 
  • Jaundice 
• Signs of stomach bleeding: 
  • Severe heartburn 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Bloody or tarry stools 
  • Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds 
• Signs of bleeding in the brain: 
  • Confusion 
  • Severe headache 
  • Memory problems 
  • Fainting 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the severe side effects listed above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Aggrenox rarely causes severe allergic reactions. However, seek emergency medical help if you observe the following signs of an allergic reaction: 

• Rash 
• Difficult breathing 
• Swelling or itching of your throat, face, lips, or tongue 
• Fever 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Severe dizziness 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Aggrenox. Tell your doctor promptly if you experience any unlisted effects. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Aggrenox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to: 

• Dipyridamole 
• Aspirin 
• Other salicylates such as choline salicylate 
• NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen 
• Any medications 
• Any ingredients present in Aggrenox capsules 

To ensure Aggrenox is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Asthma sensitive to aspirin (history of breathing difficulties with runny or stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs) 
• Bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, or low platelets) 
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) 
• Heart problems (e.g., heart attack or angina) 
• Stomach problems (e.g., ulcers or heartburn) 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 
• Myasthenia gravis (a certain muscle problem) 
• Nasal polyps (growths in the nose) 
• Bleeding in the brain 

Some products that may interact with Aggrenox include:  

• Corticosteroids such as prednisone 
• Mifepristone 
• Ginkgo biloba 
• Riociguat 
• Other drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising including: 
  • Antiplatelet drugs: clopidogrel 
  • NSAIDs: ibuprofen or naproxen 
  • Blood thinners: warfarin or dabigatran 

To mitigate the risk of drug interactions, inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are presently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as dietary supplements and herbal products. 

Carefully check all your medication labels as they may contain pain relievers or fever reducers, such as aspirin, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen, which are similar to Aggrenox and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together.  

If your doctor has prescribed a low-dose aspirin regimen to prevent heart attack (usually 81-162 milligrams per day), consult with them to determine if you should continue taking the aspirin, as the low dose of aspirin in this product may not provide sufficient protection.  

Aggrenox can potentially disrupt specific medical and lab tests (like chemical stress tests using adenosine or dipyridamole), leading to inaccurate test results. Inform lab personnel and all healthcare providers of your use of this medication. 

Aggrenox can increase the risk of bleeding, even from minor injuries. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you experience bleeding that does not stop or if you fall or hit your head. 

Inform your surgeon or dentist in advance that you are taking Aggrenox if you require dental work or surgery. You may need to pause taking this medication briefly to avoid excessive bleeding. 

Inform your doctor about your pregnancy status and plans. Avoid taking Aggrenox around or after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as it may harm the fetus and impact delivery. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. 

Before breastfeeding, seek advice from your doctor as aspirin and dipyridamole can be transmitted through breast milk.