Aggrenox (Aspirin / Dipyridamole Extended‑Release)
Compared with: Blackmores Conceive Well Gold 28 Tablets + 28 Capsules
Aggrenox combines low‑dose aspirin and extended‑release dipyridamole to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with a history of transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, while dipyridamole increases cyclic‑AMP in platelets. This dual mechanism provides superior secondary stroke prevention compared to monotherapy.
Aspirin – 25 mg (antiplatelet agent)

Dipyridamole Extended‑Release – 200 mg (phosphodiesterase inhibitor)

Other Popular and Common Names
ASA / Dipyridamole ER

Aggrenox Capsules

Cerebrovascular Preventive Therapy

Aspirin‑Dipyridamole Combination

Aggrenox 25 / 200

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) in platelets, preventing thromboxane A₂ formation and platelet aggregation.

Dipyridamole inhibits phosphodiesterase and blocks adenosine uptake into platelets and endothelial cells, raising intracellular cAMP and cGMP to further inhibit platelet activation and promote vasodilation.

Together, they provide a synergistic antithrombotic effect to prevent recurrent ischemic events.
Secondary prevention of ischemic stroke

Reduction of risk of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

Prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications in patients with cerebrovascular disease
Standard Adult Dose: One capsule (25 mg aspirin / 200 mg extended‑release dipyridamole) twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart, with food.

Titration: If intolerable headache occurs, start with one capsule once daily for one week, then increase to twice daily.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless within 4 hours of the next dose; do not double doses.

Prescribing Information
Formulation: Oral extended‑release capsule

Strength: 25 mg aspirin / 200 mg dipyridamole

Route: Oral

Legal Status: Prescription Only Medicine
Pregnancy: Category D – Avoid, especially in the third trimester (risk of premature closure of ductus arteriosus).

Breastfeeding: Use with caution; small amounts of aspirin are excreted in breast milk.

Children: Contraindicated in children and adolescents with viral infections (Reye’s syndrome risk).

Renal Impairment: Use cautiously; dipyridamole metabolites accumulate.

Hepatic Impairment: Monitor closely; avoid in severe liver disease.
Headache (often transient)

Gastrointestinal discomfort (dyspepsia, nausea)

Diarrhea

Flushing

Serious:

Bleeding (gastrointestinal, intracranial)

Peptic ulcer disease

Hypotension (from dipyridamole vasodilation)

Hypersensitivity reactions (bronchospasm, angioedema)
Bleeding Risk: Avoid in active peptic ulcer, hemorrhagic disorders, or before major surgery.

Hypotension: Monitor blood pressure; dipyridamole may cause symptomatic hypotension.

Asthma: Use aspirin with caution in aspirin‑sensitive asthma.

Drug Withdrawal: Do not abruptly discontinue; risk of rebound thrombosis.

Concurrent NSAIDs: Increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
Therapeutic Class: Antiplatelet, Vasodilator

Pharmacologic Class: Salicylate / Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Combination

Legal Category: Prescription Only
Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin): Additive bleeding risk.

NSAIDs: Increased GI bleeding; may reduce aspirin’s antiplatelet effect if taken concurrently.

SSRIs/SNRIs: Elevated bleeding risk due to platelet serotonin uptake inhibition.

Calcium Channel Blockers: May potentiate hypotensive effects.

Dipyridamole‑Based Agents: Avoid duplication; risk of excessive vasodilation.
The ESPS‑2 trial demonstrated that Aggrenox reduced recurrent stroke risk by 37 % compared to placebo and by 23 % compared to aspirin alone.

ESPRIT study confirmed efficacy in secondary prevention with a favorable safety profile.

Comparison with Blackmores Conceive Well Gold
Aggrenox is a prescription antithrombotic for secondary stroke prevention, whereas Blackmores Conceive Well Gold is a preconception supplement supporting fertility and early pregnancy nutrition. Both may be used sequentially in women transitioning from cerebrovascular risk management to preconception planning, under physician guidance.

FAQs – Aggrenox (Aspirin / Dipyridamole ER)
Q1. What is Aggrenox used for?
A: It’s used to prevent recurrent ischemic stroke and TIAs in adults with prior events.

Q2. Why combine aspirin with dipyridamole?
A: The combination offers greater antiplatelet efficacy than either agent alone, reducing recurrent stroke risk.

Q3. Can I experience headaches?
A: Yes—dipyridamole‑induced vasodilation often causes transient headaches; starting once daily can mitigate this.

Q4. Is it safe in pregnancy?
A: Generally avoided due to aspirin’s risks; discuss alternatives with your doctor if needed.

Q5. What if I miss a dose?
A: Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s within 4 hours of your next dose. Do not double up.

Q6. Can I take Aggrenox with other blood thinners?
A: Only under strict medical supervision due to bleeding risk. Regular monitoring is essential.

Q7. How long do I need to take Aggrenox?
A: Typically lifelong or as advised by your neurologist/cardiologist based on stroke risk and tolerability.
Aggrenox, Aspirin Dipyridamole ER, Secondary Stroke Prevention, Antiplatelet Therapy, TIAs Treatment, Cerebrovascular Disease, ESPS‑2 Trial, Aspirin Combination, Stroke Risk Reduction, Prescription Antithrombotic, EZ Chemist