Aggrenox (aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole) is used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had or are at risk of stroke. The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole is in a class of drugs called antiplatelet agents. It works by preventing excessive blood clotting. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Dipyridamole + ASA (Generic) is available for purchase.

The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day, one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. Aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole should be swallowed whole. Do not open, crush, break, or chew the capsules. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole decreases the risk of having a stroke but does not eliminate that risk. Continue to take aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole without talking to your doctor.

Before taking aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aspirin, celecoxib (Celebrex), choline salicylate (Arthropan), diclofenac (Cataflam), diflunisal (Dolobid), dipyridamole (Persantine), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetazolamide (Diamox); ambenonium (Mytelase); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), diuretics ('water pills') such as amiloride (Midamor), bumetanide (Bumex), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Hygroton), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin),  and triamterene (Dyrenium); methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Rheumatrex); neostigmine (Prostigmin); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as celecoxib (Celebrex), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin); phenytoin (Dilantin); probenecid (Benemid); pyridostigmine (Mestinon); sulfinpyrazone (Anturane); and valproic acid and related drugs (Depakene, Depakote), and many others not listed here.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, or heart disease; a recent heart attack; bleeding disorders; low blood pressure; vitamin K deficiency; ulcers; the syndrome of asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyps; or if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole before surgery.

Side effects from aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole can occur including:

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

• headache
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• nausea, vomiting
• diarrhea
• muscle and joint pain
• tiredness

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• bleeding
• severe rash
• swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
• difficulty breathing
• warm feeling
• flushing
• sweating
• restlessness
• weakness
• dizziness
• chest pain
• rapid heartbeat
• ringing in the ears

Q: Why is Aggrenox prescribed?

A: Aggrenox is used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had blood clots or a "mini-stroke"

Q: Does Aggrenox have a generic alternative?

A: Dipyridamole + ASA (Generic) is available for purchase at a lower cost than the brand.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Aggrenox?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Aggrenox should be kept in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).