Definition
Aggrenox® contains the antiplatelet aggregation inhibitors These active ingredients reduce blood clotting or the clumping of blood platelets, which can reduce the risk of a stroke. – dipyridamole and
- Acetylsalicylic acid.
Manufacturer
Boeringer Ingelheim
Application areas
Aggrenox® is used to prevent further strokes in patients who have already suffered a stroke.
Mode of operation
In the case of a bleeding injury, a wound is closed by the blood platelets (thrombocytes) of the blood coming into contact with each other and interlinking in such a way that a barrier impermeable to the blood is created. However, it can also happen that platelets are stored together even though there is no wound. Above a certain size, the resulting lump can block a blood vessel.
The tissue originally supplied by this vessel is now undersupplied with blood. This can trigger a stroke, for example. The platelet aggregation inhibitors contained in Aggrenox® prevent the blood platelets from clumping together, thus reducing the risk of a stroke.
Method of application
Aggrenox® is taken in capsule form twice a day, usually in the morning and evening.
Side effects
As a result of taking Aggrenox® there may be: Also a sudden drop in blood pressure. If bronchial asthma or gout is present, Aggrenox® may trigger a new attack. – stomach pain,
- Nausea,
- Headaches and dizziness occur.
Interactions
The intake of Aggrenox® is associated with an increased blood concentration of adenosine. If adenosine is administered at the same time as medication, this results in a drop in blood pressure. Due to the anticoagulant effect of Aggrenox® , parallel therapy with anticoagulant drugs such as heparin or coumarin derivatives increases the risk of bleeding.
The same risk is associated with the use of certain antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs), cortisone or cortisone-like substances and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and after alcohol consumption. In combination with antidiabetics, the risk of hypoglycaemia increases. Aggrenox® also has a strengthening effect on the cancer drug methotrexate, the antibiotics trimethoprine and sulfonamides, the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine and the epilepsy drug valproic acid. On the other hand, Aggrenox® has an inhibitory effect on cholinesterase inhibitors, which may intensify existing myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), the dehydrating agent spironolactone, loop diuretics and certain drugs for gout.
Contraindications
Aggrenox® must not be taken if there is hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Since it reduces blood clotting, it cannot be used if there is an increased tendency to bleed from the outset. A disturbance of liver or kidney function is also a criterion for exclusion from taking the drug.
The same applies after a recent heart attack or untreated angina pectoris. Aggrenox® must not be administered during the first three months of pregnancy, nor may it be administered in small doses and under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
