Pronunciation: dye-peer-ID-a-mole
Generic Name: Dipyridamole
Brand Name: Persantine
Dipyridamole is used for:
Preventing blood clots after heart valve surgery. It is used in combination with anticoagulants (eg, warfarin). It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dipyridamole is a platelet inhibitor. How it works is not fully understood. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of a body chemical (adenosine), which widens blood vessels and decreases platelet activity.
Do NOT use Dipyridamole if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Dipyridamole
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Dipyridamole:
Some medical conditions may interact with Dipyridamole. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have severe heart disease, chest pain, low blood pressure, or liver problems, or you have recently had a heart attack
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dipyridamole. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Adenosine because the risk of its side effects, including low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, may be increased by Dipyridamole
- Anticholinesterases (eg, neostigmine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Dipyridamole
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dipyridamole may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Dipyridamole:
Use Dipyridamole as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Dipyridamole by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. It may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
- If you miss a dose of Dipyridamole, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dipyridamole.
Important safety information:
- Dipyridamole may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Dipyridamole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Dipyridamole may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dipyridamole before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Use Dipyridamole with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Dipyridamole should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dipyridamole while you are pregnant. Dipyridamole is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Dipyridamole, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Dipyridamole:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; headache; itching; stomach pain; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fast heartbeat; hepatitis; pounding in the chest; swelling of throat.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Dipyridamole side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include depression; diarrhea; low blood pressure; vomiting.
Proper storage of Dipyridamole:Store Dipyridamole at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Dipyridamole out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Dipyridamole, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Dipyridamole is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Dipyridamole. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Dipyridamole resources
- Dipyridamole Side Effects (in more detail)
- Dipyridamole Dosage
- Dipyridamole Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Dipyridamole Drug Interactions
- Dipyridamole Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Dipyridamole - Add your own review/rating
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