Persantine

Generic name: Dipyridamole

Dipyridamole tablets

What are dipyridamole tablets?

DIPYRIDAMOLE (Persantine) helps to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of related problems such as stroke, in patients who have had heart valve replacements. Generic dipyridamole tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• angina
• asthma
• low blood pressure
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dipyridamole, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take dipyridamole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a plenty of water (at least a full glass) to avoid stomach upset. Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with dipyridamole?

• adenosine
• agents that dissolve blood clots
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• aspirin
• cilostazol
• DHEA
• enoxaparin
• feverfew
• fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplements
• garlic
• ginger
• ginkgo biloba
• horse chestnut
• pentoxifylline
• plicamycin
• ticlopidine
• valproic acid
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dipyridamole?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking dipyridamole except on your prescriber's advice. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking dipyridamole. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

You may get dizzy, especially when you sit or stand up quickly. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how dipyridamole affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Ask your prescriber or health care professional before you take non-prescription pain relievers. Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dipyridamole.

What side effects may I notice from taking dipyridamole?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• palpitations, chest pain or tightness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness
• diarrhea
• flushing
• headache
• muscle weakness
• nausea or vomiting
• skin rash
• stomach ache or cramps