Aggrenox and Plavix belong to a class of medications called antiplatelets. Although blood clotting is important to prevent serious bleeding from skin cuts, clots inside blood vessels block the flow of blood to major organs and cause heart attack and stroke. Antiplatetlets are used to inhibit formation of blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke in patients with existing cardiovascular problems.
Uses
Aggrenox and Plavix have similar uses. Both drugs inhibit clotting of blood by preventing platelets from sticking together. Plavix is used to prevent blood clots in patients suffering from recent heart attack and stroke, peripheral artery disease and acute coronary syndrome. Plavix is also used to prevent blood clots in patients with mitral valve disease, artificial heart valves and coronary artery stents. Aggrenox is used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had mini strokes.
Directions of Use
Aggrenox should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The drug is made to be released slowly in the body. Therefore, patients should not crush or break Aggrenox capsules. Plavix should be taken with a full glass of water with or without food. Patients taking Plavix or Aggrenox should inform surgeon and dentists ahead of time that they are taking the drugs so as to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery and dental procedures.
Contraindications
Aggrenox contains aspirin and patients allergic to aspirin, salicylates, NSAIDs and dipyridamole should avoid Aggrenox, warns Drugs.com. Patients allergic to clopidogrel should not use Plavix. Patients with active stomach ulcers, active gastrointestinal bleeding and clotting problems should also avoid Aggrenox and Plavix.
Precautions
Aggrenox and Plavix should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders, history of stroke, anemia, liver and kidney disease. Aggrenox should not be given to a child with flu or chicken pox because that can result in a fatal condition known as Reyes syndrome.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Aggrenox include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness and drowsiness, according to Drugs.com. Common side effects of Plavix include headache, dizziness, stomach pain, sore throat and cough. Plavix and Aggrenox prevent blood from clotting and may lead to increased chances of blood disorders. Signs and symptoms of blood disorders include nose bleeding, black tarry stools, coffee ground vomit, purple spots on the skin, dark urine, chills, fever and sore throat. Patients should avoid contact sports, as easy bruising and bleeding may occur. Patients should also be careful when brushing teeth and shaving. Blood work of patients taking Plavix or Aggrenox is monitored regularly to assess for abnormalities that may be caused by either drug.
