Dosage and Administration

The ER-DP + ASA capsule should be taken orally. The recommended dose is 1 capsule twice daily, usually one in the morning and one in the evening. The capsules should be swallowed whole without chewing.

• Dipyridamole + ASA requires an acidic environment (pH < 4) for dissolution and absorption.
• Studies have shown that 11% to 30% of patients over age 65 have low gastric acid (pH > 3.5). Gastric acid-suppressant agents including proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers are commonly prescribed in the older population.

The presence of tartaric acid in the dipyridamole granules enhances absorption by 50% compared with immediate-release dipyridamole.

The FDA-approved labeling for Aggrenox®/Asasantin® clearly states in the precautions and dosage and administration sections that "Aggrenox®/Asasantin®is not interchangeable with the individual components of ASA and Persantine® Tablets."
There is no generic combination that can be substituted for Aggrenox®/Asasantin®.
The dose combination of ASA and extended-release dipyridamole in Aggrenox®/Asasantin® was shown ex vivo to provide additive inhibition of platelet aggregation.
The ESPS 2 trial clearly established the effectiveness of this combination for stroke prevention.