Uses of Aggrenox
Aggrenox, a branded prescription combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim, is primarily used to prevent strokes. Aggrenox contains two medications that stop blood clots from forming. The product has also shown promise as a general anti-clotting agent and treatment for closed arteries. Because of its powerful effect, Aggrenox should only be taken as directed.
Other People Are Reading
-
Stroke
-
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially approved Aggrenox only "to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had transient ischemia of the brain or completed ischemic stroke due to thrombosis." Separately, dipyridamole has an FDA-approved indication for preventing clots following heart valve surgery. Aspirin by itself has recognized uses for lowering fevers, relieving pain, protecting the heart muscle during a heart attack and reducing the risks of many types of clots.
Other Uses
-
Aggrenox has also been studied for preventing the closing of blood vessels following repair surgery (stenosis) and for resolving venous thrombosis.
-
How to Take It
-
Take one Aggrenox capsule twice each day. This dosing schedule may be reduced to one capsule per day if you experience intolerable side effects. Taking too much Aggrenox may cause sweating and dizziness due to excessive blood flow. The prescribing information for Aggrenox cautions patients against substituting separate doses of aspirin and dipyridamole for doses of Aggrenox to prevent overdosing.
Side Effects
-
The most-reported side effect of taking Aggrenox is headaches. This appears to be due to the dipyridamole and may be decreased by the aspirin. The other major side effects of Aggrenox are stomach upset, diarrhea, fatigue and pain--particularly joint pain.
Warnings
-
Do not take Aggrenox if you are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or if you are in your last three months of pregnancy. Also to avoid Reye's syndrome, do not give Aggrenox to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Drinking alcohol while taking Aggrenox can increase your risk for ulcers and stomach and intestinal bleeding.
-
