Where is Dipyridamole used?
Dipyridamole is a prescription medicine used along with blood thinners like warfarin. This is used to keep clots from developing once the heart valve replacements are done. Clots are a serious complication that can cease heart attacks and strokes. It may also cause blocked blood vessels in the lungs or called pulmonary embolisms. The combination of medications lessens the chance of a clot forming on the valve. Dipyridamole is considered an antiplatelet drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.
How does Dipyridamole work?
Dipyridamole stops the platelets from clumping together in the blood vessels. It is occasionally referred to as a blood thinner and dilates the blood vessels.
This medicine works by delaying the action of an enzyme found in phosphodiesterase. In the phosphodiesterase usually breaks down a chemical, cyclic AMP. This chemical plays a main role in blood clotting. When the level of the chemical is high, this prevents the platelets from clumping together. This medication causes cyclic AMP levels in the platelets to rise as it stops phosphodiesterase from breaking them. Dipyridamole stops the platelets from clumping together which causes a blood clot.
How is Dipyridamole taken?
- The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition and response.
- This medicine is usually taken 4 times a day.
- Each dose is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water.
- It is best taken on an empty stomach but it may be taken with meals if stomach upset occurs.
- Take it at the same time each day.
- Do not use longer or more often than prescribed.
- You should not stop or change the dose and dosing schedule without talking with your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Dipyridamole?
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Flushing
- Vomiting
- Skin rash or itching
- Muscle or joint pain
Call your doctor right away if these happen:
- Stomach pain
- Fainting
- Dark urine
- Yellowing eyes or skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
What are the precautions in taking Dipyridamole?
- Do not take this if you are allergic to it. Let your doctor know if you have any allergies.
- This is only prescribed when needed for pregnant women. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while having treatment with this medicine.
- If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor first. This medicine should only be used when needed.
- This medicine can make you dizzy. Do not use machinery, drive, or do an activity that needs attentiveness until you can do it safely.
- Alcohol can make you dizzier. Limit alcoholic beverages while you are taking this medicine.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially bleeding and dizziness.
- If you are currently taking aspirin, talk to your doctor right away and ask if you should continue taking it with this medication.
- This medication is sometimes used along with other medications that might increase your risk of bleeding. Inform your doctor if you notice unusual bleeding. Consult your doctor for more details.
- Inform your doctor if you have any medical history.
