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Aspirin; Dipyridamole Capsules

What is this medication?

ASPIRIN; DIPYRIDAMOLE (AS pir in; dye peer ID a mole) lowers the risk of stroke. It prevents blood cells (platelets) from clumping together to form a clot. It belongs to a group of medications called antiplatelets.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aggrenox

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Frequently drink alcohol
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Nasal polyps
  • Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, dipyridamole, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Abrocitinib
  • Cidofovir
  • Defibrotide
  • Ketorolac
  • Probenecid
  • Riociguat

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Acetazolamide
  • Adenosine
  • Alcohol
  • Anagrelide
  • Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
  • Diuretics
  • Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin or heparin
  • Methotrexate
  • Medications for Alzheimer disease
  • Medications for blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers
  • Medications for diabetes
  • Medications for myasthenia gravis
  • Medications for seizures, such as phenytoin or valproic acid
  • NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Sulfinpyrazone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Tobacco, alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

Discuss this medication with your care team if you may be pregnant.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms
  • Hearing loss, ringing in ears
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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