The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Clot-busting medications are used in the acute period when a stroke has just begun. The window of opportunity at the present time is approximately 6 hours from the onset of the attack, according to current treatment guidelines for "clot buster" therapy. During this time several other kinds of medication are also used to treat the acute consequences of a stroke. There is a 3 hour time window for giving these “clot busting” therapies intravenously (IV).

Anticoagulant medications (called "blood thinners") are used to prevent another stroke after the first one has occurred.

Prescription Medications

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Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA)

Common names include:

Of the several "clot-busting" agents on the market, only rt-PA is FDA-approved for treating ]]>stroke]]>. The others are used for treating ]]>heart attacks]]> and blood clots in other organs. These drugs work in the complex chemistry of blood clotting to dissolve the chemicals that hold blood clots together. Therefore, these drugs must be used in only the right circumstances and must be carefully controlled.

Possible side effects include:

  • Bleeding—This is particularly unwanted if the stroke already has caused bleeding (a hemorrhagic stroke). Therefore this drug cannot be used for this type of stroke. Other fragile areas, like ]]>stomach ulcers]]> or recent surgical sites, may also bleed.
  • Rare allergic reactions and serious heart and lung events

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Anticoagulants

Common names include:

These drugs prevent blood from clotting, rather than dissolving a clot after it has formed. They are, therefore, technically used to prevent another stroke.

Heparin

Given by injection, heparin works immediately to prevent blood clotting. If there is a risk of bleeding from an infected area or a large brain-damaged area, this medication may not be used.

Possible side effects include:

  • Bleeding
  • Allergic reactions
  • Thrombocytopenia (too few platelets)

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Warfarin prevents formation of a blood-clotting factor by interfering with ]]>vitamin K]]> metabolism. It takes several days to have an effect. Warfarin is frequently given along with heparin; the heparin is then discontinued when the warfarin is fully active. Warfarin can be taken by mouth, but it must be controlled within very close limits to prevent unwanted bleeding.

The dose of warfarin varies widely and is regulated by frequent blood tests that check on clotting ability. These tests are done at least weekly at the beginning of treatment. This is because there are so many interactions that can alter its effect. Warfarin has been shown to decrease the recurrence rate of embolic stroke by 65% in patients with ]]>atrial fibrillation]]> (a common cause of embolic stroke.)

Possible side effects include:

  • Bleeding
  • Nausea
  • Rashes
  • A variety of other uncommon reactions

Aspirin

Aspirin, in addition to its pain-relieving effect, decreases blood clotting by affecting platelets. This medication is able to reduce recurring heart attacks by about 25%. Its effect on embolic stroke is about the same.

Possible side effects include:

  • Bleeding
  • Stomach irritation and bleeding
  • Occasional allergic reactions

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Drugs to Reduce Brain Swelling

Common names include:

  • Glucocorticoids (cortisone-like drugs, steroids)
  • Mannitol (Osmitrol, Resectisol)

Glucocorticoids (Cortisone-like Drugs, Steroids)

Cortisone-like drugs, usually dexamethasone]]> (Decadron), are used to reduce brain swelling, a common event in strokes. Dexamethasone is given either by mouth or intravenously.

Possible side effects include:

  • ]]>High blood pressure]]>
  • High blood sugar
  • Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
  • Bone loss
  • Mood swings

To avoid the many cortisone-related side effects, dexamethasone is usually only used for a short duration.

Mannitol

Mannitol is given intravenously, taking fluid out of the brain and passing it to the kidneys.

Possible side effects include:

  • Kidney damage
  • Disruption of the body's chemical balance

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Nerve-protecting Drugs

Nerve-protecting drugs help prevent additional nerve-cell damage caused by the chemicals released from dying brain cells. These drugs are promising, but not yet routinely used because they are still being tested. One example is minocycline]]>, a commonly prescribed antibiotic. In a small trial, minocyline given 6 to 24 hours following a stroke and continued for 5 days appeared to significantly improve function and reduce disability for at least 90 days compared to those who took placebo.]]>*¹]]>

Other Drugs

In treating stroke, doctors may give you other drugs as needed to:

  • Control blood pressure
  • Correct an irregular heart rhythm

Other interventions during an acute stroke include:

  • Providing adequate oxygen
  • Taking precautions to prevent choking

Special Considerations

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

  • Take your medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
  • Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
  • Do not share them.
  • Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.
  • Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medication and herb or dietary supplements.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

  • Take them as directed—not more, not less, not at a different time.
  • Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
  • Don’t share them with anyone else.
  • Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your doctor.
  • If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a physician or pharmacist about drug interactions.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.