Stroke and transient ischaemic attack in over 16s: diagnosis and initial management

Recommendation ID: NG128/05
Question: Aspirin and anticoagulant treatment for acute ischaemic stroke: Does modified-release dipyridamole or clopidogrel with aspirin improve outcome compared with aspirin alone when administered early after acute ischaemic stroke?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Aspirin administered within 48 hours of acute ischaemic stroke improves outcome compared with no treatment or early anticoagulation. In the secondary prevention of stroke, the combination of modified-release dipyridamole with aspirin improves outcome compared with aspirin alone. Clopidogrel, administered with aspirin, improves outcome after myocardial infarction. It is not known whether antiplatelet agents other than aspirin (alone or in combination) may be more effective than aspirin alone in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke. The research question to be addressed is whether modified-release dipyridamole or clopidogrel with aspirin improves outcome compared with aspirin alone when administered early after acute ischaemic stroke.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance: Stroke and transient ischaemic attack in over 16s: diagnosis and initial management
Number: NG128
Date issued: May 2019

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	30/04/2022