Dipyridamole

Dipyridamole oral is used to stop blood clots from forming after heart valve replacement surgery.

Dipyridamole injection is used during a test that checks how well your heart is pumping blood. This test is sometimes referred to as a "stress test."

Dipyridamole may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dipyridamole oral is taken by mouth, sometimes with other medications to prevent blood clots. Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dipyridamole injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you dipyridamole and other injected medicines during your stress test.

If you need a stress test while you are taking dipyridamole by mouth, you may need to stop taking it 48 hours before your stress test. Follow all instructions about how to prepare for this test.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all of your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

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.

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

Dipyridamole may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away 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.

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

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Dipyridamole injection is given as a single dose and does not require a daily dosing schedule.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling), restless feeling, sweating, weakness, or fainting.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using aspirin or any medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

For 24 hours before a stress test: Your doctor may tell you to avoid certain foods or beverages that contain caffeine (such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate). Follow these instructions carefully to avoid your test having to be postponed or cancelled.

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 does not include everything. Other drugs may affect dipyridamole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all potential drug interactions are listed here.