Aspirin + Dipyridamole: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Aspirin + Dipyridamole is a fixed-dose antiplatelet combination (aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole) used to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic events in patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease.

Established/guideline-supported use

• Secondary prevention of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Aspirin + Dipyridamole is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had transient ischemia of the brain (TIA) or a completed ischemic stroke due to thrombosis, based on the ESPS-2 clinical trial demonstrating superiority of the combination over either component alone or placebo.

Not established / not indicated

• Aspirin + Dipyridamole has not been shown to be effective for the treatment of acute stroke, and is not indicated for primary prevention of stroke or for prevention of cardiac events such as myocardial infarction (single-agent aspirin is preferred for those uses).
• It is not a substitute for anticoagulation in conditions such as atrial fibrillation or mechanical heart valves, where anticoagulants are the guideline-directed therapy.

Aspirin + Dipyridamole should only be used for the indication and dosing regimen for which the fixed extended-release combination has established evidence; see Precautions and Warnings.

Dosage by indication

Pediatric dose

Not established. Aspirin + Dipyridamole is not indicated for use in children (see Pediatric Use).

Renal/hepatic impairment

No formal dose adjustment has been established for renal impairment; use with caution. Aspirin + Dipyridamole should generally be avoided in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see Contraindications).

Administration instructions

• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, or open the capsule, as this destroys the extended-release mechanism of the dipyridamole component.
• May be taken with or without food; taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose — in that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular twice-daily schedule. Do not double the dose.
• Headache is common when starting Aspirin + Dipyridamole, particularly in the first week; do not stop treatment without consulting a physician, as this often improves with continued use (see Precautions and Warnings).

Side effects of Aspirin + Dipyridamole are attributable to either the aspirin or the dipyridamole component:

Very common

• Headache — the most frequently reported side effect, especially during the first weeks of Aspirin + Dipyridamole therapy; often diminishes with continued use.

Common

• Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Bruising or minor bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, gum bleeding)

Less common but serious

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
• Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, bronchospasm)
• Hypotension, flushing, or worsening of angina (dipyridamole component; see Precautions and Warnings)
• Easy or unusual bruising/bleeding suggesting a bleeding tendency

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for signs of serious bleeding (black/bloody stools, vomiting blood, unusual bruising) or chest pain while taking Aspirin + Dipyridamole.