Extended-release dipyridamole/aspirin

The fixed-dose combination of extended-release dipyridamole/aspirin (Aggren ox/Asasantin Retard(TM))(1) combines 2 antiplatelet agents with different m echanisms of action. The combination reduced thrombus formation in human an d animal models. Coadministration of extended-release dipyridamole and aspirin in healthy vo lunteers had no significant effects on the plasma concentrations of either agent. Twice-daily oral extended-release dipyridamole/aspirin (400/50 mg/day) was twice as effective as either agent alone in the secondary prevention of str oke in a large clinical trial involving patients with prior stroke or trans ient ischaemic attack. The rate of the combined end-point of stroke and death tended to be lower w ith the combination than with other treatments. The incidence of death was not significantly reduced by any treatment. Most adverse events with extended-release dipyridamole/aspirin were mild an d similar to those with either agent alone. Bleeding was mon common with th e combination than with extended-release dipyridamole alone, as was headach e when compared with aspirin alone. Limited pharmacoeconomic analyses suggest that treatment with extended-rele ase dipyridamole/aspirin was cost saving and was cost effective compared wi th aspirin monotherapy for the secondary prevention of stroke.