Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - Medications
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:
Understanding Stroke -- the Basics
When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or blocked for any reason, the consequences are usually drastic. Control over movement, perception, speech, or other mental or bodily functions is impaired, and consciousness itself may be lost. Disruptions of blood circulation to the brain are known as stroke -- a disorder that occurs in two basic forms, both potentially life-threatening. Clots near the brain. About three-quarters of all strokes are due to blockage of the oxygen-rich...
Read the Understanding Stroke -- the Basics article > >
- 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:
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Topics
Today in Stroke
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.