Aspirin/Dipyridamole (By Mouth)

Aspirin (AS-pir-in), Dipyridamole (dye-peer-ID-a-mole)

Used to prevent strokes in patients with blood flow disorders or a history of blood clots.

Brand Name(s):

Aggrenox
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, dipyridamole, or to pain and arthritis medicine (such as Motrin®, Advil®, Naprosyn®). Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers with fever, chickenpox, or symptoms of the flu or viral infection, because aspirin can cause a serious disease called Reye's syndrome. You should not use this medicine if you have an active stomach ulcer or any kind of bleeding problem.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often.
• Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, break, or chew.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Aspirin can cause stomach bleeding. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. If you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol every day, ask your doctor if you should use this medicine. One drink of alcohol is the same as 4 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of hard liquor (gin, whiskey, and others).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin or dipyridamole (Persantine®) (not in combination), ticlopidine (Ticlid®), blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as Motrin®, Advil®, or Naprosyn®).
• This medicine can interfere with the action of many other medicines. Make sure your doctor has a list of all other medicines you use.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have bleeding disorders, vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, or if you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
• Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have asthma, chest pain, heart disease, low blood pressure, or kidney disease.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine may cause incorrect results with some urine sugar tests.
• Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to decrease dizziness.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Blood in stools or urine
• Chest pain
• Severe headache
• Severe stomach pain
• Skin rash, severe itching or hives
• Swelling of the face or eyelids
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache
• Easy bruising, nosebleeds
• Flushing (redness) in the face
• Indigestion
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.