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Uses

What is aspirin/dipyridamole used for?

Aspirin/dipyridamole is commonly used to reduce the risk of having a stroke if you have previously had a mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or if you have previously had a stroke due to a blood clot.

Aspirin/dipyridamole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does aspirin/dipyridamole work (mechanism of action)?

Aspirin/dipyridamole is a combination of two different medicines, with each medicine working to help stop your platelets from sticking together. Since platelets are a major part of blood clots, aspirin/dipyridamole can reduce your risk of a clot (also known as a thrombosis or embolism). 

How is aspirin/dipyridamole supplied (dosage forms)?

Aspirin/dipyridamole is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 25 mg/200 mg extended-release oral capsules

How should I store aspirin/dipyridamole?

Aspirin/dipyridamole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of aspirin/dipyridamole?

The most common side effects of aspirin/dipyridamole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bleeding (see below)

There may be other side effects of aspirin/dipyridamole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of aspirin/dipyridamole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of aspirin/dipyridamole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aspirin/dipyridamole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking aspirin/dipyridamole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Bleeding. Aspirin/dipyridamole can increase your risk of severe bleeding that can lead to death. Your risk is greater if you are taking other blood thinners. Some patients with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking aspirin/dipyridamole.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots

Stroke. Although aspirin/dipyridamole is used to reduce your risk of a stroke from a blood clot, it increases your risk of a different type of stroke called a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. Your risk is increased if you are taking other blood thinners. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a stroke.

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of your face or in one arm or leg
  • Confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech
  • Trouble seeing in one or both of your eyes
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, or lack of balance or coordination
  • Severe headache with no other cause

Chest Pain. Aspirin/dipyridamole can cause chest pain, which can be a symptom of a heart attack. The risk of chest pain is increased in people with existing heart disease. Do not take aspirin/dipyridamole if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking aspirin/dipyridamole. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use aspirin/dipyridamole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take aspirin/dipyridamole.

  • Aspirin
  • Acetylsalicylic acid
  • Aggrenox
  • Dipyridamole
  • Any other medicine known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific aspirin/dipyridamole products they stock.

Syndrome of Asthma, Rhinitis, and Nasal Polyps. People who have a combination of asthma, sinus congestion or runny nose, and nasal polyps, are more likely to have something called aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, or AERD. If you have this combination of symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about whether aspirin/dipyridamole is safe for you to take.

Children. Children or teenagers with a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox, should not take aspirin/dipyridamole due to the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition.

Drug Interactions. Aspirin/dipyridamole should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking aspirin/dipyridamole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about aspirin/dipyridamole before using it?

Do not take aspirin/dipyridamole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share aspirin/dipyridamole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep aspirin/dipyridamole out of the reach of children.

Swallow aspirin/dipyridamole capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules.

Take aspirin/dipyridamole with or without food.

If you have unbearable headaches when starting aspirin/dipyridamole, speak with your healthcare provider about the possibility of changing your starting dose or timing.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using aspirin/dipyridamole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if aspirin/dipyridamole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach ulcers
  • A history of bleeding problems
  • Heart problems, such as a previous heart attack or chest pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Myasthenia gravis, which is a specific muscle problem

Stress Test. Tell your healthcare provider if you are going to have a stress test for your heart. Aspirin/dipyridamole can increase the risk of side effects from some medicines that are used in medical procedures, such as heart stress tests. Tell all healthcare providers that you take aspirin/dipyridamole, especially if you will be getting any tests done in a hospital or clinic.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how aspirin/dipyridamole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. However, aspirin/dipyridamole increases bleeding risk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take aspirin/dipyridamole while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Aspirin/dipyridamole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take dipyridamole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does aspirin/dipyridamole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between aspirin/dipyridamole and foods or drinks.

Heavy or long-term alcohol use will increase your risk of bleeding while taking aspirin/dipyridamole. In particular, three or more daily alcoholic drinks places you at higher risk of bleeding.

Does aspirin/dipyridamole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using/taking aspirin/dipyridamole.

  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), or direct renin inhibitor, which are types of medicines for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • Acetazolamide, which is a medicine commonly used for altitude sickness, glaucoma, or fluid buildup (edema)
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol, atenolol, or carvedilol, which is a medicine commonly used for heart conditions
  • Anagrelide, which is a medicine commonly used for essential thrombocytosis
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Valproic acid, divalproex sodium, and valproate sodium (Depakote and others), which is a medicine used for seizures and other conditions
  • Abrocitinib (Cibinqo), which is a medicine commonly used for atopic dermatitis
  • Riociguat (Adempas), which is a medicine commonly used for pulmonary hypertension
  • A cholinesterase inhibitor, such as pyridostigmine, which is commonly used for myasthenia gravis
  • Probenecid, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with aspirin/dipyridamole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

  • Aspirin and Dipyridamole (Dr Reddy's Laboratories) US Patient Information, May 2021.
  • Aspirin and Dipyridamole (Dr Reddy's Laboratories) US Prescribing Information, May 2021.