$Unique_ID{BRK03135}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{dipyridamole}
$Subject{Persantine Boehringer Ingelheim Pyridamole Major Antianginal
dipyridamole chronic chest pain angina heart disease blood vessels oxygen
muscle blood clot formation artificial heart valves}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


dipyridamole
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     dipyridamole (various manufacturers)
     Persantine (Boehringer Ingelheim)
     Pyridamole (Major)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antianginal

INGREDIENT

     dipyridamole

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Dipyridamole is used to prevent chronic chest pain (angina) due to heart
disease.  It relieves chest pain by dilating the blood vessels of the heart
and providing more oxygen to the heart muscle.  Dipyridamole is also used to
prevent blood clot formation, especially in patients who have artificial heart
valves.

TREATMENT

     You should take this medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of
water one hour before or two hours after a meal.  If this drug upsets your
stomach, check with your doctor to see if you can take it with food.
     The full benefits of this medication may not become apparent for up to
two to three months.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is within four hours of your next scheduled dose.  In that
case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Dizziness, fatigue, flushing, headache, nausea, stomach cramps, or
weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
fainting, skin rash, or a worsening of your chest pain.

INTERACTIONS

     Dipyridamole should not interact with other medications if it is used
according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to dipyridamole.
     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had low blood pressure.
     * The effectiveness of dipyridamole in controlling chronic angina is
controversial.  This drug is more frequently prescribed to prevent blood clot
formation, although use of dipyridamole for this purpose has not yet been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
     * This drug does not stop chest pain from angina that has already begun.
It is used only to prevent such pain
     * If this drug makes you dizzy, do not take part in any activity that
requires alertness.
     * Before having any surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although this drug
appears to be safe, extensive studies in humans during pregnancy have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of dipyridamole pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.