Drug Name

Dipyridamole

Drug Uses

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

How to use

Use Dipyridamole as directed by your doctor.

• Take Dipyridamole by mouth with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Dipyridamole is a coronary vasodilator. It works by increasing blood flow to the heart, which mimics an exercise test. It is followed by the thallium test.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Dipyridamole, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Dipyridamole at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Dipyridamole out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Dipyridamole if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dipyridamole.

• Dipyridamole may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Dipyridamole with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Avoid food or drink that has caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, chocolate) before you use Dipyridamole.
• Dipyridamole should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dipyridamole while you are pregnant. Dipyridamole is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dipyridamole.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; fatigue; flushing; headache; nausea.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion; fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat; one-sided weakness; seizures; slurred speech.

More Information

Dipyridamole is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.