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Dipyridamole
Dipyridamole
Pronunciation
(dye peer ID a mole)
Brand Names
Persantine®
Canadian/Mexican 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, Coronary
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).
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