Persantine

Persantine

     * Generic Name: dipyridamole
     * Brand Name: Persantine


     * What is dipyridamole (Persantine)?
     * What are the possible side effects of dipyridamole
       (Persantine)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       dipyridamole (Persantine)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       dipyridamole (Persantine)?
     * How should I take dipyridamole (Persantine)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Persantine)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Persantine)?
     * What should I avoid while taking dipyridamole (Persantine)?
     * What other drugs will affect dipyridamole (Persantine)?
     * Where can I get more information (Persantine)?

What is dipyridamole (Persantine)?

   Dipyridamole helps to prevent platelets in your blood from sticking
   together and forming a blood clot on or around an artificial
   heart valve.

   Dipyridamole is used to prevent blood clots after heart valve
   replacement surgery.

   Dipyridamole may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of dipyridamole (Persantine)?

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

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * chest pain; or
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
       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 may include:
     * headache;
     * dizziness;
     * abnormal liver function tests;
     * 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.

What is the most important information I should know about dipyridamole
(Persantine)?

   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.

   Persantine Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Heart Disease:The No. 1 Killer in the U.S.

   Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
   RxList

   Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dipyridamole
(Persantine)?

   You should not use dipyridamole if you are allergic to it.

   To make sure dipyridamole is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
     * liver disease;
     * low blood pressure;
     * uncontrolled chest pain (angina); or
     * if you have recently had a heart attack.

   This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor
   if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Dipyridamole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Dipyridamole should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I take dipyridamole (Persantine)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Dipyridamole is often taken together with other medications to prevent
   blood clots. To best treat your condition, use all medications as
   directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient
   instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or
   medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

   While using dipyridamole, you may need frequent blood tests.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Persantine Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Heart Disease:The No. 1 Killer in the U.S.

   Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
   RxList

   Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

What happens if I miss a dose (Persantine)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Persantine)?

   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 (Persantine)?

   Do not take aspirin while you are taking dipyridamole. Many medicines
   available over the counter also contain aspirin or similar medicines
   called salicylates. Ask your doctor before taking any other medication
   for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. Check the label to see if
   a medicine contains aspirin.

   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.

What other drugs will affect dipyridamole (Persantine)?

   Other drugs may interact with dipyridamole, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Persantine)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about dipyridamole.
     __________________________________________________________________