TIA Treatment Involving Medications
Depending on the cause of the
transient ischemic attack, there may be a number of different medications your healthcare provider may recommend. Some medications may be used to treat a risk factor for a
TIA, such as
high blood pressure or
atrial fibrillation. Others may be prescribed to decrease the chances of blood clots forming. If you do take medicine as part of your TIA treatment, it's important to maintain your healthy lifestyle, because healthy daily habits will keep your dose of medicines as low as possible.
Medications doctors may prescribe to reduce person's chances of having another TIA or
stroke may include:
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelets.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants reduce the risk of another TIA by decreasing the ability for blood to clot and preventing existing clots from growing. These drugs are particularly useful in preventing the formation of clots in people with atrial fibrillation. The most commonly used anticoagulant for TIA treatment is warfarin (Coumadin®).
Antiplatelets
Antiplatelet drugs prevent clotting by decreasing the activity of platelets. In the case of TIA treatment, doctors prescribe antiplatelet drugs mainly for prevention of another TIA. The most widely known and used antiplatelet drug is aspirin. Other antiplatelet drugs include:
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
- Ticlopidine (Ticlid®)
- Dipyridamole (Persantine®)
- Aspirin and dipyridamole (Aggrenox®).
Other medications that are commonly prescribed as part of TIA treatment include medicines that will treat TIA risk factors. Some of these medications may include:
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