dipyridamole Health Article

Generic name(s):

dipyridamole

Brand name(s):

Persantine

What is the most important information I should know about dipyridamole?

Before taking dipyridamole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, low blood pressure, coronary artery disease, angina (chest pain), or if you have recently had a heart attack.

Dipyridamole is often taken together with other medications to prevent blood clots. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor may need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

While you are taking dipyridamole, do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor's advice. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

There may be other drugs that can affect dipyridamole. During your treatment with dipyridamole, you may also be taking another blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin). There are many drugs that can interact with blood thinners.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What is dipyridamole?

Dipyridamole keeps the platelets in your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent blood clots from forming on or around an artificial heart valve.

Dipyridamole is used to prevent blood clots after heart valve replacement surgery.

Dipyridamole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dipyridamole?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dipyridamole.

Before taking dipyridamole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• low blood pressure;

• severe coronary artery disease (also called atherosclerosis);

• uncontrolled chest pain (angina); or

• if you have recently had a heart attack.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use dipyridamole, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Dipyridamole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a doctor.