Dipiridamol

Drug name: Dipiridamol

Other names used:

Persantin®
Persantine®

Active Ingredients:

Dipyridamole

Therapeutic actions: Dipyridamole is a type of medicine known as an antiplatelet. It prevents blood cells called platelets from clumping together inside the blood vessels, and is sometimes referred to as a 'blood thinner'. It also dilates the blood vessels. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme found in platelets called phosphodiesterase. Inside the platelets phosphodiesterase normally breaks down a chemical called cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP plays a key role in blood clotting. If the level of cyclic AMP in the platelets is high this prevents the platelets from clumping together. Dipyridamole causes the levels of cyclic AMP in the platelets to rise, because it stops phosphodiesterase from breaking it down. This means that dipyridamole stops the platelets from clumping together and causing a blood clot.

Indications: Dipiridamol is used to :

Prevent dangerous blood clots (thromboembolism) in people with artificial heart valves.
Prevent further strokes or mini-strokes (transient ischaemic attacks or TIAs) in people who have already had a stroke or TIA caused by a blood clot in the brain

Contraindications and cautions: You should not use this drug in:

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.
This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

You should talk with your health care provider prior to taking this medication if you have:

Severe coronary artery disease:
Angina not well controlled by medical treatment (unstable angina).
People who have recently had a heart attack.
Narrowing of the main artery coming from the heart (aortic stenosis).
Heart failure.
Low blood pressure (hypotension).
Abnormal muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis).
Blood clotting disorders.
Migraine.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
Chest pain (angina);
Abnormal, rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Warning!

Dipyridamole is sometimes given by injection during certain types of diagnostic tests to check if the heart is functioning properly. However, dipyridamole injection should not usually be given to people who are taking dipyridamole by mouth. If you are due to have any tests on your heart, you should make sure the doctor knows you are taking this medicine, as they may want you to stop taking it 24 hours before the test.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

dizziness
stomach pain
headache
rash
diarrhea
vomiting
flushing (feeling of warmth)
itching

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

unusual bleeding or bruising
yellowing of the skin or eyes
chest pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Especially pay attention to the following drugs:

Theophyllines (eg, aminophylline) because they may decrease Dipyridamole 's effectiveness
Adenosine because the risk of its side effects, including low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, may be increased by Dipyridamole
Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Dipyridamole
anticoagulants, eg warfarin,heparin and other antiplatelet medicines, eg low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel.
Dipyridamole may decrease the effect of the anti-cancer medicine fludarabine.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.