What is Dipyridamol?
Dipyridamole is an oral medication used to prevent blood clots following heart valve surgery. As part of a heart test, dipyridamole is given to measure how well the blood is pumped by your heart. It is also called a stress test. Dipyridamole can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dipyridamole
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Dipyridamole may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Chest pain;
- Liver problems: upper stomach pain, itching, and loss of appetite. Dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice
Dipyridamole can cause lightheadedness in older adults.
Some of the common side effects associated with dipyridamole include:
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Rash;
- upset stomach.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with concerns can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to dipyridamole, it is best not to use it.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Hardened arteries
- A heart attack;
- Uncontrolled chest pain (angina);
- Myasthenia gravis;
- Low blood pressure
- Liver disease.
Before having a dipyridamole stress test, tell your doctor if the medicine theophylline is already being taken or if it has been prescribed to you. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. Dipyridamole orally has not been approved for children under 12 years of age. Dipyridamole injectable should only be used by adults.
How to take Dipyridamole?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Dipyridamole is taken orally, sometimes in combination with other medications. It prevents blood clots. Read all the instructions and follow them exactly. Do not alter your dosage or schedule without consulting your doctor. You may require frequent medical tests. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Injections of dipyridamole are given into the vein. You will be given dipyridamole, along with other injected medications, by your healthcare provider during a stress test. You may have to stop taking dipyridamole 48 hours prior to your stress test if you're taking it by mouth. You must follow all the instructions to prepare for the test.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for thromboembolic stroke prevention:
75-100 mg taken orally four times per day
Use: As an adjunct to warfarin for the prevention of thromboembolism following cardiac valve replacement.
Adult dose for Thallium Myocardial Imaging:
Infusion of 0.142 mg/kg/min over 4 minutes
Maximum dose: unknown. Clinical experience suggests that a dose total of 60 mg is not to be exceeded.
Comments: Thallium 201 should be administered within 5 minutes of the 4-minute infusion.
Use: An alternative to exercise for thallium myocardial-perfusion imaging in the evaluation of coronary arterial disease (CAD) among patients who are unable to exercise.
The usual pediatric dose for thromboembolic stroke prevention is:
Twelve years and older: 75–100 mg, orally four times per day
Use: As an adjunct to warfarin for the prevention of thromboembolism following cardiac valve replacement.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. The injection of dipyridamole is administered as a one-time dose. There is no daily schedule for the administration.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include flushing, restlessness, sweating, and weakness.
What should be avoided?
Before taking aspirin or any other medicine for pain, fever, swelling, or symptoms of a cold or flu, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid standing up quickly from a seated or lying-down position. You may feel dizzy. To avoid a fall, get up slowly. Your doctor may advise you to refrain from drinking or eating certain beverages and foods that contain caffeine for 24 hours prior to a stress test (such as tea, coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate). To avoid having your stress test postponed or cancelled, follow these instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Medicine to treat Alzheimer's disease or symptoms thereof.
This list is incomplete. Dipyridamole may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins, herbal products, prescription medicines, and over-the-counter medicines. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
