Drug Interactions between Aggrenox and aspirin / codeine

Caffeine may interfere with the effects of dipyridamole in dilating the arteries. You should avoid caffeine-containing products for at least 24 hours before an imaging procedure involving dipyridamole given by injection. However, no special precaution is necessary if you are taking dipyridamole orally for maintenance.

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with codeine. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. With certain long-acting formulations of narcotic pain medication, consumption of alcohol may also cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in high blood levels that may be potentially lethal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not use more than the recommended dose of codeine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Ask your doctor before using aspirin together with ethanol (alcohol). Do not drink alcohol while taking aspirin. Alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding caused by aspirin. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Ask your doctor before using dipyridamole together with caffeine. Using these medications together can decrease the effects of dipyridamole. It is recommended that caffeine including caffeine be avoided for 12 to 24 hours before dipyridamole administration. You may need a dose adjustment or special test if you use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories' category:

• Aggrenox (aspirin/dipyridamole)
• aspirin/codeine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'cyclooxygenase inhibitors' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'cyclooxygenase inhibitors' category:

• Aggrenox (aspirin/dipyridamole)
• aspirin/codeine

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.