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Dipyridamole

Brand Names

; Persantine®

Foreign Brand Names

; Apo®-Dipyridamole FC (Canada) ; Apo®-Dipyridamole SC (Canada) ; Asasantine®[with Aspirin also] (Canada) ; Novo-Dipiradol® (Canada) ; Dirinol (Mexico) ; Lodimol® (Mexico) ; Trompersantin® (Mexico)

Therapeutic Categories

Antiplatelet Agent; Vasodilator

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to dipyridamole or any other part of the medicine.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine can be used in combination with a blood thinner called warfarin to prevent clots after a heart valve is replaced.
• Another use includes stroke prevention and keeping grafts opened after heart bypass surgery. Medicine works best if used with aspirin.

How does it work?

• Dipyridamole prevents platelets from becoming sticky and clumping together. It also dilates blood vessels.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding tell healthcare provider.
• Avoid ibuprofen or like products, other blood thinners (warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, vitamin E. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Belly pain and cramps.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Numbness, tingling, weakness on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking, or blurred vision.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).