Dipyridamole

About Dipyridamole

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiplatelets.

In the blood are sticky cells called platelets. When you cut yourself, the platelets stick to each other (clot) to seal the wound. Dipyridamole reduces the stickiness of these platelets, therefore thinning the blood slightly and helping to prevent unwanted blood clots from forming within the body.

Dipyridamole is particularly useful for patients who have had surgery to replace heart valves as it allows the blood to move around the body and through the new valves more easily.

Dipyridamole is also used for patients who have previously had certain types of strokes or suffer from transient ischaemic attacks (attacks in which the blood vessels in the brain become narrow, temporarily cutting off the blood supply).

Dipyridamole is available in tablet and liquid form. It is also available as modified release capsules, which means Dipyridamole is released slowly over the day to give a more even effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Persantin; Persantin Retard. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Dipyridamole

Before taking Dipyridamole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from angina or any other heart condition or circulation problems
• if you have had a heart valve replaced
• if you are being treated for high blood pressure, hypertension
• if you have low blood pressure, hypotension
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis, migraine or any bleeding disorders
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you take aspirin for any condition
• if you take anticoagulants such as warfarin, phenindione, acenocoumarol or nicoumalone
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Dipyridamole

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Dipyridamole exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take Dipyridamole at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times.
• If you are taking the slow release capsules, they should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed, with a glass of water. Take them with or immediately after food.
• If you are taking Dipyridamole tablets or the liquid they should be taken half to one hour before food as directed.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Dipyridamole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Dipyridamole is sometimes used together with aspirin. This combination may provide better protection against the formation of blood clots. If you have been told to take aspirin together with Dipyridamole, take only the amount your doctor has told you.
• Important: Do not take extra aspirin or any other medicines that thin your blood, such as warfarin, whilst you are taking Dipyridamole unless your doctor tells you to. Many medicines that you can buy without a prescription contain aspirin. Check with your pharmacist before you buy any medicines, or if you are not sure whether you are taking any of the medicines mentioned above.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Dipyridamole.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked
• Dipyridamole may cause dizziness, light-headedness or fainting, especially when getting up from a lying or sitting position. getting up slowly should help. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery, or do any other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as Dipyridamole. If you do take indigestion remedies, leave at least one hour before or one hour after a dose of Dipyridamole.

Can Dipyridamole cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, tummy pain, dizziness, wheezing, muscle pain, throbbing headaches, hot flushes or skin rashes.

If you have heart problems and notice an increase in the severity of your symptoms, such as angina or changes in your heartbeat contact your doctor.

If you experience swelling of the lips or throat and problems breathing contact your doctor or the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Dipyridamole

• Keep out of the reach of children
• Store away from direct light and heat
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them out of the reach of children. If required, your pharmacist will dispose of them for you.
• If you have been supplied the modified release capsules they should be kept in the original container and discarded 6 weeks after opening.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/02/2005