Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication that keeps blood clots from forming. It's often used with another blood thinner called warfarin (Coumadin). It helps lower the risk of clots in people who've had heart valve replacement surgery. You take dipyridamole 4 times a day, with or without food. The most common side effects are dizziness and upset stomach. Its brand name Persantine is no longer sold, but the generic version of dipyridamole is still available.
Prevention of blood clots after heart valve replacement surgery, as an add-on to warfarin (Coumadin)
Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication. It works by blocking your platelets from clumping up together. This helps prevent blood clots from forming.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Taken by mouth
Can take with or without food
Take dipyridamole 4 times a day, about 6 hours apart, with or without food. It's a good idea to take it at about the same times each day. This helps you remember to take your medication.
Swallow dipyridamole tablets whole. Don't crush, chew, or cut the tablets because this can change how much medication gets absorbed into your body. Talk to your prescriber if you have trouble swallowing it whole.
You might feel dizzy after taking dipyridamole because it can lower your blood pressure. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sit or lie down until you feel better. Tell your prescriber if this happens. Don't drive until you know how dipyridamole affects you.
Side effects like dizziness and stomach discomfort can happen when you start taking dipyridamole. These usually get better or go away over time. But talk to your prescriber if any side effects bother you too much or don't go away. Your prescriber can help you manage side effects.
It's a good idea to avoid alcohol while taking dipyridamole. Alcohol can make side effects like dizziness and stomach upset worse.
Tell your prescriber if you're pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It's not known how safe dipyridamole is during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your prescriber can help you understand the risks and benefits to decide what's best for you and your baby.
Dipyridamole can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body (dehydration) | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Taking other medications that can lower your blood pressure | History of low blood pressure | Severe heart disease
Dipyridamole can make your blood pressure go down. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. Tell your prescriber if you have heart problems or usually have low blood pressure. They can check that dipyridamole is safe for you.
it's important to drink plenty of fluids while taking dipyridamole. Be sure to stay hydrated when you have a lot of diarrhea, vomit a lot, or sweat too much. If you get dehydrated (don't have enough fluids in your body), your blood pressure could drop even more.
If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, or tired, sit down slowly while holding onto something so you don't fall. Let your prescriber know if this happens while you're taking dipyridamole. If you ever feel confused or fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Some people who took dipyridamole had higher liver enzyme levels on their blood tests. This can be a sign of liver damage. In some cases, liver problems can be serious and might even lead to liver failure.
Tell your prescriber if you've had liver problems before. You might need to get blood tests done before starting dipyridamole and during treatment. This helps your prescriber check your liver health.
Get medical help right away if you notice yellow skin or eyes, a swollen belly, stomach pain, or confusion. Also get help if you have black, tarry, or bloody stools or dark or brown urine. These could be signs of liver damage. Your prescriber can check to see if you need to stop taking dipyridamole to keep your liver safe.
The typical dose ranges from 75 mg to 100 mg by mouth four times a day. It's usually taken with warfarin (Coumadin).
Dipyridamole is also available as an intravenous injection (IV) that's administered by a healthcare professional at a medical center.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Prevention of blood clots after heart valve replacement surgery, as an add-on to warfarin (Coumadin)
Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
Fever
Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only
Prevention and treatment blood clots in the veins
Prevention and treatment blood clots linked to atrial fibrillation (AFib) or heart valve replacement
Prevention of more blood clots and to lower risk of death after a heart attack
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