Aspirin and Extended-Release Dipyridamole versus Clopidogrel for Recurrent Stroke

In this large clinical trial, aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole was found to have an efficacy similar to that of clopidogrel in the prevention of recurrent stroke. However, aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole resulted in more bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. The results will help guide therapy for secondary stroke prevention. Aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole was found to have an efficacy similar to that of clopidogrel in the prevention of recurrent stroke. However, aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole resulted in more bleeding, including intracranial bleeding. Recurrent stroke is an important vascular event affecting the life of survivors of ischemic stroke. 1 Multiple randomized trials have proved the efficacy of antiplatelet agents for the prevention of recurrent stroke after noncardioembolic stroke. 2 – 11 Antiplatelet options for the prevention of recurrent stroke include aspirin (50 mg to 325 mg per day), the combination of low-dose aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole, and clopidogrel alone. 12 , 13 Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence by about 23% as compared with placebo. 7 Studies of clopidogrel have suggested an 8% relative risk reduction of stroke recurrence, as compared with aspirin, among . . .