Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnticlotting DrugsBlood Pressure DrugsCholesterol DrugstPAAtrial Fibrillation DrugsDiabetes DrugsPost-Stroke MedicationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anticlotting Drugs
Blood Pressure Drugs
Cholesterol Drugs
tPA
Atrial Fibrillation Drugs
Diabetes Drugs
Post-Stroke Medications
Frequently Asked Questions
The consequences of astrokecan be severe. Fortunately, medications are available to reduce the risk of stroke and to prevent the development of future strokes. Studies suggest an approximately 12% risk of future stroke after the first one occurs.As a result, most medical treatments are focused on reducing the risk of stroke recurrence.
This article discusses the types of medication available to help recover from a stroke and to prevent them from recurring.
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There is a form of stroke that occurs when someone begins to experience the symptoms of a stroke, but then the symptoms quickly resolve and go away. This is known as a ministroke ortransient ischemic attack (TIA).
This article will discuss medications used to manage conditions that may lead to stroke, as well as the drugs used to treat conditions that develop after a stroke.
Anticlotting Drugs and Blood Thinners
Clot formation and the breakup of clots depend onplatelets(blood cells that are active in clotting) and various proteins in the blood. Medications address different aspects of the clotting process.
Antiplatelet Drugs
One of the first drugs used to treat a stroke is an antiplatelet agent.These drugs stop the formation of clots within blood vessels and reduce the size of a clot during a stroke. The commonly used antiplatelet drugs are:
Brilinta (Ticagrelor) vs. Plavix (Clopidogrel): Which Is Better?
Anticoagulants
The most commonly used anticoagulants are:
Medications to lower blood pressure are shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.Elevated blood pressure can cause damage to the small blood vessels found in the brain.
There are several different classes of blood pressure medications. The most commonly used medications in each class to control blood pressure are:
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
ACE inhibitorswork against angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. These drugs include:
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Calcium Channel Blockers
Beta-Blockers
Cholesterol Drugs: Statins
Statin medicationshelp reduce the a person’s cholesterol levels (amount of a fatty, waxy substance in the blood) and reduce the risk of future ischemic strokes.Statin medications that are commonly used are:
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
Tissue plasminogen activators are very powerful agents that are only used in specific circumstances. Importantly, there is a time window from the onset of the stroke in which tPA is most effective. This generally is within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. Outside of this specific time window, tPA may be more harmful than beneficial.
Atrial fibrillation(AFib) is an irregular heart rhythm that is often rapid. It’s a known risk factor for stroke because the irregular rhythm can lead to the formation of blood clots.Several medications are used to treat atrial fibrillation, including medications that slow your heart rate and correct your heart rhythm.
Some medications that control and manage atrial fibrillation include:
Diabetes(a chronic condition affecting how your body uses blood sugar) is a well-established risk factor for the development of stroke. Diabetes causes blood vessels to undergo extra wear and tear over time, leading to premature aging and damage.
For these reasons, controlling diabetes through appropriate blood sugar control is a critical form of stroke prevention and management.
A few of the medications used for diabetes are :
Medications After a Stroke
Any of the previously mentioned medications can be used after a stroke to help reduce the risk of a future stroke. There also are a few medications that may be required after a stroke to help with conditions resulting from the stroke. These include drugs to improve mood.The brain changes after a stroke and depression is a common problem after suffering a stroke.
Depression medications include:
If you haveseizures(episodes of erratic brain electrical activity) after a stroke, you may also beprescribed anti-seizure medications. These include:
Summary
A stroke is a serious event that is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease.Treatment after a stroke is focused on reducing the severity of stroke as quickly as possible in combination with reducing your risk of future strokes. Many medications that focus on different areas of health that may help reduce your future risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
A Word From Verywell
A stroke can be a frightening and life-changing event. It is completely normal to feel as if you’ve lost some control of your life after experiencing a stroke. Fortunately, many medications are available to help combat risk factors and symptoms after a stroke
Frequently Asked QuestionsOne of the most common medications used after a stroke is aspirin. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of a repeat stroke.If you have previously taken aspirin and experienced side effects such as severe bleeding, your doctor may recommend a different medication. However, it remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications after a stroke since it is widely available.After experiencing a ministroke, your healthcare provider may request that you take medications to reduce your risk of a repeat event, or the development of a more severe stroke.These medications will depend on your other medical conditions and can include blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, atrial fibrillation medications, diabetes medications, or a combination of these.A stroke can be treated, and in some instances reversed, with the use of the medication tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Due to the potent capabilities of tPA, it is only used in specific circumstances and within a specific time interval.The use of tPA is not always necessary, or appropriate, for all forms of stroke.
One of the most common medications used after a stroke is aspirin. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of a repeat stroke.If you have previously taken aspirin and experienced side effects such as severe bleeding, your doctor may recommend a different medication. However, it remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications after a stroke since it is widely available.
One of the most common medications used after a stroke is aspirin. Aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of a repeat stroke.
If you have previously taken aspirin and experienced side effects such as severe bleeding, your doctor may recommend a different medication. However, it remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications after a stroke since it is widely available.
After experiencing a ministroke, your healthcare provider may request that you take medications to reduce your risk of a repeat event, or the development of a more severe stroke.These medications will depend on your other medical conditions and can include blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, atrial fibrillation medications, diabetes medications, or a combination of these.
After experiencing a ministroke, your healthcare provider may request that you take medications to reduce your risk of a repeat event, or the development of a more severe stroke.
These medications will depend on your other medical conditions and can include blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, atrial fibrillation medications, diabetes medications, or a combination of these.
A stroke can be treated, and in some instances reversed, with the use of the medication tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Due to the potent capabilities of tPA, it is only used in specific circumstances and within a specific time interval.The use of tPA is not always necessary, or appropriate, for all forms of stroke.
A stroke can be treated, and in some instances reversed, with the use of the medication tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Due to the potent capabilities of tPA, it is only used in specific circumstances and within a specific time interval.
The use of tPA is not always necessary, or appropriate, for all forms of stroke.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Flach C, Muruet W, Wolfe CDA, Bhalla A, Douiri A.Risk and secondary prevention of stroke recurrence.Stroke. 2020;51(8):2435-2444. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000375American Stroke Association.TIA (transient ischemic attack).Lioutas VA, Ivan CS, Himali JJ, et al.Incidence of transient ischemic attack and association with long-term risk of stroke.JAMA. 2021;325(4):373. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.25071American Stroke Association.Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents Brochure.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Atrial fibrillation and stroke information page.American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.Shi Y, Wardlaw JM.Update on cerebral small vessel disease: a dynamic whole-brain disease.Stroke Vasc Neurol. 2016;1(3):83-92. doi:10.1136/svn-2016-000035Tramacere I, Boncoraglio GB, Banzi R, et al.Comparison of statins for secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.BMC Medicine. 2019;17(1):67. doi:10.1186/s12916-019-1298-5Azad TD, Veeravagu A, Steinberg GK.Neurorestoration after stroke.Neurosurg Focus. 2016;40(5):E2. doi:10.3171/2016.2.focus15637American Heart Association.Atrial fibrillation medications.American Heart Association.Diabetes medications.National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). Stroke Rehabilitation: Long Term Rehabilitation After Stroke [Internet]. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2013 May 23. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 162.)9, Emotional functioning.Virani SS, Alonso A, Aparicio HJ, et al.Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update.Circulation. 2021;143(8):e254-e743. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Flach C, Muruet W, Wolfe CDA, Bhalla A, Douiri A.Risk and secondary prevention of stroke recurrence.Stroke. 2020;51(8):2435-2444. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000375American Stroke Association.TIA (transient ischemic attack).Lioutas VA, Ivan CS, Himali JJ, et al.Incidence of transient ischemic attack and association with long-term risk of stroke.JAMA. 2021;325(4):373. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.25071American Stroke Association.Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents Brochure.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Atrial fibrillation and stroke information page.American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.Shi Y, Wardlaw JM.Update on cerebral small vessel disease: a dynamic whole-brain disease.Stroke Vasc Neurol. 2016;1(3):83-92. doi:10.1136/svn-2016-000035Tramacere I, Boncoraglio GB, Banzi R, et al.Comparison of statins for secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.BMC Medicine. 2019;17(1):67. doi:10.1186/s12916-019-1298-5Azad TD, Veeravagu A, Steinberg GK.Neurorestoration after stroke.Neurosurg Focus. 2016;40(5):E2. doi:10.3171/2016.2.focus15637American Heart Association.Atrial fibrillation medications.American Heart Association.Diabetes medications.National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). Stroke Rehabilitation: Long Term Rehabilitation After Stroke [Internet]. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2013 May 23. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 162.)9, Emotional functioning.Virani SS, Alonso A, Aparicio HJ, et al.Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update.Circulation. 2021;143(8):e254-e743. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Flach C, Muruet W, Wolfe CDA, Bhalla A, Douiri A.Risk and secondary prevention of stroke recurrence.Stroke. 2020;51(8):2435-2444. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000375American Stroke Association.TIA (transient ischemic attack).Lioutas VA, Ivan CS, Himali JJ, et al.Incidence of transient ischemic attack and association with long-term risk of stroke.JAMA. 2021;325(4):373. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.25071American Stroke Association.Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents Brochure.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Atrial fibrillation and stroke information page.American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.Shi Y, Wardlaw JM.Update on cerebral small vessel disease: a dynamic whole-brain disease.Stroke Vasc Neurol. 2016;1(3):83-92. doi:10.1136/svn-2016-000035Tramacere I, Boncoraglio GB, Banzi R, et al.Comparison of statins for secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.BMC Medicine. 2019;17(1):67. doi:10.1186/s12916-019-1298-5Azad TD, Veeravagu A, Steinberg GK.Neurorestoration after stroke.Neurosurg Focus. 2016;40(5):E2. doi:10.3171/2016.2.focus15637American Heart Association.Atrial fibrillation medications.American Heart Association.Diabetes medications.National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). Stroke Rehabilitation: Long Term Rehabilitation After Stroke [Internet]. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2013 May 23. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 162.)9, Emotional functioning.Virani SS, Alonso A, Aparicio HJ, et al.Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update.Circulation. 2021;143(8):e254-e743. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950
Flach C, Muruet W, Wolfe CDA, Bhalla A, Douiri A.Risk and secondary prevention of stroke recurrence.Stroke. 2020;51(8):2435-2444. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000375
American Stroke Association.TIA (transient ischemic attack).
Lioutas VA, Ivan CS, Himali JJ, et al.Incidence of transient ischemic attack and association with long-term risk of stroke.JAMA. 2021;325(4):373. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.25071
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Atrial fibrillation and stroke information page.
American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.
Shi Y, Wardlaw JM.Update on cerebral small vessel disease: a dynamic whole-brain disease.Stroke Vasc Neurol. 2016;1(3):83-92. doi:10.1136/svn-2016-000035
Tramacere I, Boncoraglio GB, Banzi R, et al.Comparison of statins for secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.BMC Medicine. 2019;17(1):67. doi:10.1186/s12916-019-1298-5
Azad TD, Veeravagu A, Steinberg GK.Neurorestoration after stroke.Neurosurg Focus. 2016;40(5):E2. doi:10.3171/2016.2.focus15637
American Heart Association.Atrial fibrillation medications.
American Heart Association.Diabetes medications.
National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). Stroke Rehabilitation: Long Term Rehabilitation After Stroke [Internet]. London: Royal College of Physicians (UK); 2013 May 23. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 162.)9, Emotional functioning.
Virani SS, Alonso A, Aparicio HJ, et al.Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update.Circulation. 2021;143(8):e254-e743. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950
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