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Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - Medications
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
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Your doctor will probably prescribe several medicines after you have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Medicines to prevent blood clots are typically used, because blood clots can cause TIAs and strokes.
The types of medicines that prevent clotting are:
- Antiplatelet medicines.
- Anticoagulant medicines.
Cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medicines are also used to prevent TIAs and strokes.
Antiplatelet medicines
Antiplatelets (such as aspirin, aspirin with extended-release dipyridamole, or clopidogrel) keep platelets in the blood from sticking together.
- Aspirin is most often used to prevent TIAs and strokes. Many studies have shown that aspirin helps prevent strokes and reduces the risk of another TIA in people who have had their first TIA.
- Aggrenox, a medicine that combines aspirin with dipyridamole, is a safe and effective alternative to aspirin to prevent TIA and stroke for some people.4
- Other antiplatelet medicines (such as clopidogrel) may be used for people who cannot take aspirin or for whom aspirin has not been effective.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulant medicines, also called blood thinners, prevent blood clots from forming and keep existing blood clots from getting bigger. If you have atrial fibrillation, you will probably take an anticoagulant such as warfarin (for example, Coumadin). For more information, see the topic Atrial Fibrillation.
Statins
Statins lower cholesterol and can greatly reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had a TIA. Statins even protect against stroke in people who do not have heart disease or high cholesterol.2
Blood pressure medicines
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may want you to take medicines to lower it. Blood pressure medicines include:
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 31, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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