Generic name: dipyridamole (oral/injection) [ DYE-pir-ID-a-mole ]
Brand names: Persantine, Persantine IV
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (5 mg/mL), oral tablet (25 mg; 50 mg; 75 mg)
Drug classes: Cardiac stressing agents, Platelet aggregation inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 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.

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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider 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 should I take dipyridamole?

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.

Dipyridamole dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Thromboembolic Stroke Prophylaxis:

75 to 100 mg orally 4 times a day

Use: 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 minutes

Maximum dose: Unknown; clinical experience suggests not exceeding a total dose of 60 mg

Comments: 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 day

Use: Adjunct to warfarin prophylaxis of thromboembolism after cardiac valve replacement

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

Dipyridamole injection is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

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.

What should I avoid while taking dipyridamole?

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.

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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