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Brand name:

Persantine

Pronounced: per-SAN-teen
Generic name: Dipyridamole

Why is this drug prescribed?

Persantine helps reduce the formation of blood clots in people who have had heart valve surgery. It is used in combination with blood thinners such as Coumadin.

Some doctors also prescribe Persantine in combination with other drugs, such as aspirin, to reduce the damage from a heart attack and prevent a recurrence, to treat angina, and to prevent complications during heart bypass surgery.

Most important fact about this drug

Persantine is sometimes used with aspirin to provide better protection against the formation of blood clots. However, the risk of bleeding may also be increased. To reduce this risk, take only the amount of aspirin prescribed by the same doctor who directed you to take Persantine. If you need a medication for pain or a fever, do not take extra aspirin without first consulting your doctor.

How should you take this medication?

Persantine must be taken exactly as your doctor prescribes, at regularly scheduled times.

It is best to take Persantine on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water. However, if this upsets your stomach, you can take the drug with food or milk.

Do not change from one brand of dipyridamole to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.

---If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

---Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Protect from excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Persantine.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal distress, dizziness

• Less common or rare side effects may include:
  Angina pectoris (crushing chest pain), burning or tingling sensation, diarrhea, fatigue, feeling flushed, gallstones, hair loss, headache, itching, joint pain, liver problems, muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, skin rash, swollen voice box, upset stomach, vomiting

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

There is no known reason to avoid this drug.

Special warnings about this medication

Use this medication carefully if you have low blood pressure.

Tell the doctor that you are taking Persantine if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Persantine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Persantine with the following:

Aspirin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Valproic acid (Depakene)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Persantine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This drug appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual recommended dose is 75 milligrams to 100 milligrams, 4 times a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established in children under 12 years of age.

Overdosage

Low blood pressure is the most common symptom of overdose and usually lasts for a short period of time. If this occurs, contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.