Drugs in secondary stroke prevention.

After an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, patients have a high risk of having another stroke. Secondary stroke prevention includes antiplatelet therapy, statins and antihypertensives Aspirin, clopidogrel, or a combination of aspirin with dipyridamole are first-line options for secondary stroke prevention in the absence of atrial fibrillation Dual antiplatelet therapy has a benefit in the first three weeks after stroke, but patients should change to a single antiplatelet drug after this time Anticoagulants are indicated if the patient has atrial fibrillation. Avoid combinations of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs Patients should be started on statins after an ischaemic stroke. High doses are recommended even if cholesterol concentrations are normal Antihypertensive drugs are recommended for all patients with systolic blood pressures greater than 140/90 mmHg. ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics are first-line options.