Aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and extended release dipyridamole. According to the National Institutes of Health, Aggrenox belongs to a class of drugs known as antiplatelets. Coumadin, also known as warfarin, belongs to a class of medications known as anticoagulants. Both Aggrenox and Coumadin are prescribed to patients with certain cardiovascular disorders that increase the risk of blood clots.
Uses
According to the National Institutes of Health, both Aggrenox and Coumadin are used to prevent blood clots. Blood clots block blood vessels and decrease flow of blood to the heart and brain, which may cause heart attack and stroke. Aggrenox is used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had a stroke or are at risk of having one. Drugs.com states that Coumadin is used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Coumadin is also used to prevent blood clots in patients with recurrent heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, prosthetic heart valves, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
Directons for Use
Aggrenox is taken by mouth twice a day. Aggrenox capsules are designed to be released slowly in the body and therefore, patients should not break or crush the medication. Aggrenox should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Coumadin is taken by mouth once a day. Regular blood work is required to monitor patients’ response to Coumadin. Patients are started with low doses and doses are increased gradually based on the results of the blood work. Patients should avoid large amounts of leafy green vegetables that contain high amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K disrupts therapeutic effects of Coumadin.
Contraindications
According to the National Institutes of Health, patients allergic to aspirin, dipyridamole and other NSAIDs should avoid Aggrenox. Patients with asthma, rhinitis and nasal polyps should also avoid Aggrenox. Drugs.com states that patients with bleeding disorders, clotting problems, anemia, stomach ulcers, aneurysm, blood clots, bleeding in the brain should avoid Coumadin. Coumadin and Aggrenox should also be avoided by pregnant women.
Precautions
Drugs.com states that Aggrenox should be used with caution in patients with recent heart attack, bleeding disorder, low blood pressure and vitamin K deficiency. Coumadin should be used with caution in patients with celiac disease, recent surgery, recent injury and high blood pressure. Aggrenox and Coumadin should also be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney disease. Patients with these medical conditions should inform the doctor so that he may adjust the dosage.
Side Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health, common side effects of Aggrenox include headache, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle pain and joint pain. Common side effects of Coumadin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, bloating and hair loss. An adverse side effect of Coumadin and Aggrenox is unusual bleeding. Bleeding due to both drugs may occur anytime during therapy. Signs of unusual bleeding include nose bleeding, bleeding gums, bloody urine, black tarry stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, coughing blood, weakness and dizziness while standing. Internal bleeding is a medical emergency and patients should seek immediate medical attention. Patients on Coumadin and Aggrenox should avoid alcohol, as the combination of the drugs and alcohol increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Patients undergoing surgery including dental procedures should inform the doctors two weeks before that they are taking Aggrenox and Coumadin so as to avoid uncontrollable bleeding during surgery.
