According to the National Institutes of Health, Aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and extended release dipyridamole. Aggrenox belongs to a group of drugs known as antiplatelets. Antiplatelets inhibit blood clots by preventing platelets from sticking together. Heparin belongs to a class of drugs known as anticoagulants. Aggrenox and heparin are prescribed to patients with certain cardiovascular disorders so as to prevent blood clots.
Uses
According to Drugs.com, Aggrenox is prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with previous histories of mini-strokes caused by blood clots. The National Institutes of Health states that heparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots in veins and arteries. Heparin is also used in post-operation patients in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis caused by prolonged bed rest.
Uses
Drugs.com states that Aggrenox capsules are taken twice a day. The capsules are swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The capsules should not be crushed or opened because they are designed to be released slowly in the body. Heparin is given as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or arm. Patients on heparin are required to undergo regular blood work so as to monitor its effects.
Contraindications
The National Institutes of Health states that Aggrenox should not be used in patients allergic to aspirin, dipyridamole and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients with asthma, nasal polyps and rhinitis should also avoid the drug. Aggrenox contains aspirin and should not be administered to children with viral infections such as the flu and chicken pox. Aspirin is known to cause a fatal condition known as Reyes syndrome if taken by children suffering from viral infections. According to Drugs.com, patients allergic to any ingredients in heparin should avoid the drug. Patients with a severe lack of platelets should also avoid heparin.
Precautions
According to Drugs.com, patients with low blood pressure, recent heart attack, liver disease and kidney disease should notify their doctors because their Aggrenox dosage may need to be adjusted. Aggrenox may aggravate these conditions and dosage adjustment is necessary. Heparin dosage may also need to be adjusted in patients with conditions such as clotting disorders, bleeding problems, menstrual periods, liver disease, kidney disease and bacterial endocarditis.
Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, common side effects of Aggrenox include headache, drowsiness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, muscle pain and joint pain. Common side effects of heparin include bluish colored skin, itching, pain and redness at injection site. An adverse side effect of Aggrenox and heparin is unusual internal bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding include coughing blood, coffee ground vomits, nose bleeding, bleeding gums and black tarry stools. Patients taking Aggrenox and heparin should avoid alcohol because the combination of the drugs and alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding. Patients undergoing surgery including dental procedures should inform the doctors two weeks in advance that they are taking heparin and Aggrenox, so as to avoid uncontrollable bleeding during surgery.
