Dipyridamole

Generic name: Dipyridamole (oral/injection)

Usage of Dipyridamole

Dipyridamole oral is used to prevent blood clots after heart valve replacement surgery.

Dipyridamole injection is given as part of a test that shows how well your heart is pumping blood. This is sometimes called a "stress test."

Dipyridamole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dipyridamole side effects

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

Dipyridamole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

chest pain; or

liver problems--upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Older adults may be more likely to feel light-headed while taking dipyridamole.

Common side effects of dipyridamole may include:

headache;

dizziness;

rash; or

upset stomach.

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.

Before taking Dipyridamole

You should not use dipyridamole if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

a heart attack;

uncontrolled chest pain (angina);

myasthenia gravis;

low blood pressure; or

liver disease.

Before you have a stress test with dipyridamole injection: Tell your doctor if you already take dipyridamole by mouth, or if you take an asthma medicine called theophylline.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dipyridamole oral is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Dipyridamole injection is used only in adults.

How to use Dipyridamole

Usual Adult Dose for Thromboembolic Stroke Prophylaxis:

75 to 100 mg orally 4 times a dayUse: Adjunct to warfarin prophylaxis of thromboembolism after cardiac valve replacement

Usual Adult Dose for Thallium Myocardial Imaging:

0.142 mg/kg/min IV infusion over 4 minutesMaximum dose: Unknown; clinical experience suggests not exceeding a total dose of 60 mgComments: Thallium-201 should be injected within 5 minutes following the 4-minute infusion of this drug.Use: Alternative to exercise in thallium myocardial perfusion imaging for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who cannot exercise adequately.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Thromboembolic Stroke Prophylaxis:

12 years or older: 75 to 100 mg orally 4 times a dayUse: Adjunct to warfarin prophylaxis of thromboembolism after cardiac valve replacement

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Dipyridamole

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or

medicine to treat dementia or symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect dipyridamole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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