Aggrenox: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear Aggrenox, a combination medication made of aspirin and dipyridamole, used to prevent strokes in people who’ve had a transient ischemic attack or minor stroke. Also known as aspirin-dipyridamole, it’s not just another pill—it’s a targeted defense against blood clots that can lead to stroke. Unlike plain aspirin, Aggrenox pairs two drugs that work together: aspirin stops platelets from sticking together, while dipyridamole widens blood vessels and makes platelets even less likely to clump. This combo isn’t used for heart attacks or general pain relief—it’s specifically designed for people who’ve already had a warning sign of stroke.

People taking Aggrenox are usually those who’ve had a TIA (mini-stroke) or a small ischemic stroke. Doctors choose it over single-drug options because clinical trials, like the ESPS-2 study, showed it reduces stroke recurrence by about 20% compared to aspirin alone. It’s not for everyone—people with severe asthma, ulcers, or bleeding disorders usually avoid it. And while it’s a blood thinner, it’s not the same as warfarin or rivaroxaban. It doesn’t affect clotting factors in the liver; it works directly on platelets. That’s why you won’t need regular blood tests like INR checks. But you still need to watch for signs of bleeding—bruising easily, nosebleeds, or dark stools.

Aggrenox fits into a larger group of drugs called antiplatelet therapies. It’s often compared to clopidogrel (Plavix) or ticagrelor (Brilinta), but those are used for heart patients more than stroke survivors. Aggrenox’s niche is clear: secondary stroke prevention. It’s also cheaper than some newer options, which matters if you’re paying out of pocket. But it’s not a magic bullet. You still need to control blood pressure, quit smoking, manage cholesterol, and stay active. The pill helps, but lifestyle does the heavy lifting.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical comparisons and deep dives into how Aggrenox stacks up against other stroke-prevention strategies. You’ll see how it interacts with common supplements, what to do if you miss a dose, why some people switch from it, and how it fits into long-term care after a stroke. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what your doctor might not have time to explain.