DIPYRIDAMOLE

Brand & Generic Names

Apo-Dipyridamole
Dipimol
Dipridacot
Novodipiradol
Persantine
Pyridamole

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? U.S.: Yes Canada: No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Platelet aggregation inhibitor

Uses

• May reduce frequency and intensity of angina attacks.
• Prevents blood clots after heart surgery.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid.

When to take:
1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Probably dilates blood vessels to increase oxygen to heart.
Prevents platelet clumping, which causes blood clots.

Time lapse before drug works:
3 months of continual use.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Decreased blood pressure; weak, rapid pulse; cold, clammy skin; collapse.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Dizziness.

Infrequent:

• Fainting, headache.
• Red flush, rash, nausea, vomiting, cramps, weakness.

Rare:

Chest pain.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to dipyridamole.
• You are recovering from a heart attack.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have low blood pressure.
• If you have liver disease.

Over age 60:
Begin treatment with small doses.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No proven problems. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Avoid if you feel dizzy. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:

• Drug increases your ability to be active without angina pain. Avoid excessive physical exertion that might injure heart.
• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants,	Increased anti-
oral*	coagulant effect. Bleeding
	tendency.
Aspirin and	Increased dipyridamole effect. Dose
combination drugs	may need adjustment.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	May lower blood pressure
	excessively.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	No proven problems.
Foods:	Decreased dipyridamole absorption
	unless taken 1 hour before eating.
Marijuana:	Daily use--Decreased dipyridamole
	effect.
Nicotine.	May decrease dipyridamole effect.