The recommended dose of Aggrenox (aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole) is one capsule given orally twice daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. The medication may be administered with or without food.

Aspirin can adversely affect patients with inherited or acquired (liver disease or vitamin K deficiency) bleeding disorders and condition of such patients should be properly evaluated before starting them on Aggrenox. Dipyridamole has a vasodilatory effect and should be used with caution in patients with severe coronary artery disease (e.g., unstable angina or recently sustained myocardial infarction). Chest pain may be aggravated in patients with underlying coronary artery disease who are receiving dipyridamole. Dipyridamole should be used with caution in patients with hypotension since it can produce peripheral vasodilation. If administered to a pregnant woman during the third trimester of pregnancy, this drug can cause fetal harm and may also lead to low birth weight, increased incidence for intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants, stillbirths and neonatal death.

Like all other medications, Aggrenox also has its side effects which include warm feeling, flushes, sweating, restlessness, feeling of weakness and dizziness, stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and gross gastrointestinal bleeding. Some patients will suffer from low blood pressure and tachycardia as well as allergic reactions, fever, hypotension, gastritis, ulceration and perforation. It is advisable to consult a physician if any of the side effects listed above were to get aggravated or persist for an extended period.

The capsules should be swallowed whole without chewing. Aspirin, if taken with heavy alcohol use may lead to bleeding risks.