Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Persantine

Generic Name: dipyridamole (Pronunciation: dye pir ID a mole)

• What is dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• What are the possible side effects of dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• How should I take dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Persantine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Persantine)?
• What should I avoid while taking dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• What other drugs will affect dipyridamole (Persantine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dipyridamole (Persantine)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dipyridamole 25 mg-BAR

round, white, imprinted with b, 252

Dipyridamole 25 mg-GLO

round, white, imprinted with C81

Dipyridamole 50 mg-BAR

round, white, imprinted with b, 285

Dipyridamole 50 mg-GLO

round, white, imprinted with C82

Dipyridamole 75 mg

round, white, imprinted with BARR, 286

Dipyridamole 75 mg-GLO

round, white, imprinted with C83

Persantine 25 mg

round, orange, imprinted with BI, 17

Persantine 50 mg

round, orange, imprinted with 18, BI

Persantine 75 mg

round, orange, imprinted with 19, BI

What are the possible side effects of dipyridamole (Persantine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nosebleed or other bleeding that will not stop;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• muscle or joint pain;
• headache; or
• mild skin rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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.

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