Aspirin Dipyridamole

Aspirin/dipyridamole is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had or are at risk of stroke.

It is a single product containing 2 medications: aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole.

The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole is in a class of drugs called antiplatelet agents. It works by preventing blood clots.

This medication comes in capsule form and is taken typically 2 times a day (morning and evening) with or without food.

Do not chew capsule.

Common side effects of aspirin/dipyridamole include headache, dyspepsia (indigestion), stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Serious side effects have been reported with aspirin/dipyridamole, including the following:

• Bleeding. Tell your health care provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of bleeding:
  • Black or bloody stools
  • Vomiting blood or experiencing coffee ground-looking vomit
  • Bruising that does not go away
• Worsening of liver disease in those with severe liver disease
• Worsening of kidney disease in those with severe kidney disease
• Harm to unborn children when used in pregnant women, especially in the third trimester
• Heart disease, as this medication can cause/worsen chest pain
• Low blood pressure, as this medication can lower blood pressure

Do not take aspirin/dipyridamole if you:

• are allergic to aspirin, dipyridamole, or to any of its ingredients
• are allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• have asthma or nasal polyps
• are younger than 18 years of age and have a viral infection

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Aspirin/dipyridamole falls into category D: It has been shown that use of this medication in pregnant women caused some babies to be born with problems. However, in some serious situations, the benefit of using this medication may be greater than the risk of harm to the baby.

Take aspirin/dipyridamole exactly as prescribed.

Aspirin/dipyridamole comes in a capsule and is taken twice daily.

It an be taken with or without food.

Do not chew, divide, or break aspirin/dipyridamole capsules. Swallow the capsules whole.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of aspirin/dipyridamole at the same time.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• The condition being treated
• Other medical conditions you have
• Other medications you are taking
• How you respond to this medication
• Your weight
• Your height
• Your age
• Your gender

The recommended dose for aspirin/dipyridamole for the reduction in the risk of stroke is 1 capsule (25 mg aspirin/200 mg dipyridamole) twice a day.