Aggrenox

Aspirin can cause a dangerous brain disorder called Reye's Syndrome in children and teenagers who have a viral illness. Since Aggrenox contains aspirin, it is not recommended for children or teenagers.

Special warnings about Aggrenox

The aspirin in Aggrenox can cause stomach bleeding. You should avoid this drug if you have a stomach ulcer, and should use it with care if you have liver disease or any kind of bleeding disorder. (Regular heavy drinking increases the danger of bleeding problems.) Also, be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking Aggrenox if you have a medical emergency or plan to have surgery or dental work.

The dipyridamole in Aggrenox causes blood vessels to expand and should be used cautiously by people with heart disease, especially those with chest pain (unstable angina) or a recent heart attack. It can make chest pain worse and trigger episodes of very low blood pressure.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Aggrenox

If Aggrenox is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aggrenox with the following:

• ACE inhibitors (heart and blood pressure medications such as captopril and enalapril maleate)
• Acetazolamide
• Blood pressure medications classified as beta-blockers, including acebutolol hydrochloride, atenolol, and propranolol hydrochloride
• Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin sodium
• Gout medications
• Methotrexate
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and indomethacin
• Oral diabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide and glyburide
• Seizure medications such as phenytoin sodium and valproic acid
• Water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide

If you suffer from the muscle disease myasthenia gravis, treatment with Aggrenox may interfere with your drug therapy.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Aggrenox can seriously harm a developing baby, leading to low birth weight, bleeding in the brain, birth defects, and even death. Aggrenox should not be used during the final 3 months of pregnancy, and should be taken during the first 6 months only if its benefits outweigh the possibility of harm to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.