How does it work?

This medication contains two active ingredients, aspirin and dipyridamole. Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body. These are known as prostaglandins, prostacyclins and thromboxane. In high doses, blocking cyclo-oxygenase prevents the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and would otherwise go on to cause pain, swelling and inflammation. High doses of aspirin are therefore used to relieve pain and inflammation. Aspirin in low doses (e.g. 75mg) does not have this effect and is used instead as an anti-clotting or blood-thinning agent. In low doses, blocking cyclo-oxygenase prevents the production of thromboxane by blood cells called platelets. Thromboxane is one of the chemicals that causes platelets to clump together and start off the clotting process. Stopping its production therefore reduces the likelihood of clots forming in the blood. Dipyridamole belongs to a group of medicines called antiplatelet agents. It works by preventing the formation of a chemical called cyclic AMP in blood platelets. Cyclic AMP is one of the chemicals that cause platelets to clump together and start off the clotting process. Stopping its production therefore reduces the likelihood of clots forming in the blood. Clots in the blood can cause several problems, including cutting off the blood supply to parts of the brain. This can cause a stroke, or a mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack). This medicine is used to prevent this in patients who are at risk.

What is it used for?

Prevention of further mini-strokes (transient ischaemic attacks) in people who have already had one

Prevention of further strokes in people who have already had a stroke

Warning!

You should consult your doctor if you are considering taking aspirin to reduce the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack, to make sure it would be a suitable thing for you to do. Aspirin can actually increase the risk of a particular type of stroke in certain people, and it may also have side effects that outweigh its potential benefits for some people.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Allergy to aspirin or other medicines in this class

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Asthma

Chronic or recurring gut complaints

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Growths into the nose

Heart failure

Individuals with blood clotting disorders

Inflammation of the nasal lining due to allergies

Lack of the chemical G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Narrowing of the main artery coming from the heart (aortic stenosis)

People who have recently had a heart attack

Severe coronary artery disease

Not to be used in

3rd trimester of pregnancy

Allergy to salicylates (e.g. aspirin)

Bleeding disorders

Children

Peptic ulcers

Severely decreased kidney function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during the 1st and 2nd trimesters. Seek medical advice from your doctor. It should not be used in the 3rd trimester as it can delay or prolong labour and increases the risk of bleeding.

This medicine may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It should only be used during breastfeeding if the benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved