General information

Aggrenox contains two medications: a very low dose of aspirin (25 milligrams per tablet) and dipyridamole in a slow-release form. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. This medication is used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had transient ischemic attacks or a previous stroke due to a blood clot and are at high risk for another stroke.

Directions

Take Aggrenox exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 1 capsule twice a day (morning and evening). Swallow the capsule whole. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Precautions

Before taking Aggrenox you should talk with your doctor if you have stomach ulcers or bleeding, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, heart disease, congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, liver disease, kidney disease, low blood pressure, certain muscle problem (myasthenia gravis), growths in the nose (nasal polyps). Use of alcohol and tobacco may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol and stop smoking. Children and teenagers should not take aspirin if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or if they have recently received a vaccine. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.

Contraindications

Do not use Aggrenox if you are allergic to aspirin or dipyridamole, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, nasal polyps, or allergy to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Motrin, Indocin, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene and others.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have headache, nausea, heartburn, bleeding from gums or nose, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, bloody or black stools, fainting, pale skin color, unusual weakness, vomit with blood, persistent stomach or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, confusion, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, rash, itching, fever, ringing in your ears, joint pain, upset stomach, diarrhea. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen, indomethacin), seizure medications (oxcarbazepine, topiramate, phenytoin, carbamazepine), diuretics (furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide), beta-blockers (propranolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, atenolol), cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine), ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, captopril, ramipril, enalapril, benazepril), gout medications (sulfinpyrazone, probenecid), oral diabetes medications, methotrexate, acetazolamide. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are ringing in the ears, flushing, sweating, restlessness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.