Dipyridamole: an AntiDeressive Drug
Dipyridamole
Oral Uses
This medication is used in combination with "blood thinners"
such as warfarin to keep clots from forming after heart valve replacements.
Clots are a serious complication that can cause strokes, heart attacks,
or blocked blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary embolisms). Dipyridamole
belongs to a class of drugs known as platelet inhibitors. It helps
to keep blood flowing by stopping platelets from clumping together
and by keeping heart blood vessels open.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who are at higher risk of clots, such as those who have had "mini-strokes" (transient ischemia attacks), stroke, heart attack, surgery, or heart valve disease.
How
should I take this medicine?
Take dipyridamole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription
label. Swallow the tablets with a plenty of water (at least a full
glass) to avoid stomach upset. Take on an empty stomach, at least
1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take your doses at regular
intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Special
warnings about this medication
Use this medication carefully if you have low blood pressure.
Persantine has been known to cause liver problems, including liver failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs of liver trouble: nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, itching, yellowish skin, flu-like symptoms, and pain in the upper right abdomen.
Persantine should be used with caution if you have any heart problems, including angina or recent heart attack. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual chest pain.
Tell the doctor that you are taking Persantine if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.
What
should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dipyridamole?
• Dipyridamole should be used cautiously if you have abnormally
low blood pressure.
• Dipyridamole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take dipyridamole
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Dipyridamole passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
infant. Do not take dipyridamole without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• The FDA has not approved dipyridamole for use by children
younger than 12 years of age.
