Aggrenox

Aggrenox is a brand name of the aspirin-dipyridamole drugs. This type of medication works to reduce the risks of stroke among patients who have previously suffered transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini stroke. Generic of the aspirin-dipyridamole combination is not available.

Before taking Aggrenox, your health care provider should be made aware of the presence of any of the following health conditions: gout; liver or kidney disease; anemia; lupus; asthma; skin problems; clotting or bleeding problems; stomach-related problems like ulcers; deficiency in vitamin K; nasal polyps; allergic reactions to dipyridamole, aspirin, and other drugs, preservatives or dyes; and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The doctor should also be informed if the patient smokes tobacco, drinks three or more alcoholic beverages everyday, is pregnant, or is breastfeeding.

Aggrenox is to be taken orally with a full glass of water. Capsules should not be chewed or crushed, but swallowed whole. Directions on the label or prescription should be strictly followed. Dosages should have regular intervals. Aggrenox should not be taken in doses larger than what was prescribed. This medication is formulated for adults use.

Patients who are taking regular doses of Aggrenox may take a missed dose when they remember it. If the next dose is supposed to be taken shortly, skip the missed dose and follow the regular dose schedule. Double or extra doses do not make up for whatever dose missed. The prescription drug Aggrenox is not recommended for use in patients who are allergic to aspirin, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The use of Aggrenox in children and teenagers suffering from viral disease may lead to the onset of a dangerous brain disorder known as Reye’s Syndrome. Thus, this medication is only meant for use in adults.

Aggrenox side effects may be common to some patients, and rare for others. The more common ones include: abdominal pain; fatigue, bleeding; headache; vomiting; back pain; indigestion; nausea; diarrhea; pain; dizziness; and joint pains.

The aspirin contained in Aggrenox may result to stomach bleeding. Patients who are suffering from stomach ulcers should not take this drug. Those with bleeding disorders or liver disease should take Aggrenox with care. Patients should also inform their doctors I they are planning on having any type of surgery or dental procedure while taking the drug.

The presence of dipyridamole in the medication leads to the expansion of the blood vessels. Patients with unstable angina, or a previous heart attack are advised to use Aggrenox with great caution. Chest pains are likely to worsen, and the occurrence of extremely low blood pressure are increased.

Taking other medications with Aggrenox can reduce, heighten, or modify the effects of the drug. It Is particularly important for patients to check before attempting to combine Aggrenox with the following medications: ACE inhibitors; Tenormin; Sectral; Acetazolamide; Oral drugs for diabetes; medications for blood pressure like beta blockers; water pills; blood thinning medications; seizure drugs; gout medications; Methotrexate; and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Patients who are diagnosed with the muscle disease called myasthenia gravis, and are taking Aggrenox along with the medications for such condition, should know that the combination of such drugs may interfere with the treatment plan.

Pregnant women, particularly those who are on the last 3 months, should completely avoid the use of Aggrenox as it can seriously cause harm to the baby. The use of the drug is generally not recommended for use among pregnant women. Nursing mothers should also take the medication with extreme caution as the drug is known to appear in the human milk.

While Aggrenox exists to work against the onset of a very fatal disease, its use should be done according to the most appropriate means.