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Uses

What is dipyridamole used for?

Dipyridamole is commonly used to reduce your risk of a blood clot after you have a type of heart surgery called a valve replacement.

Dipyridamole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does dipyridamole work (mechanism of action)?

Dipyridamole helps to block your platelets from sticking together. Since platelets are a major part of blood clots, dipyridamole can reduce your risk of a clot (also known as a thrombosis or embolism).

How is dipyridamole supplied (dosage forms)?

Dipyridamole is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 25 mg oral tablets
  • 50 mg oral tablets
  • 75 mg oral tablets

How should I store dipyridamole?

Dipyridamole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dipyridamole?

The most common side effects of dipyridamole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of dipyridamole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dipyridamole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dipyridamole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dipyridamole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dipyridamole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Chest Pain. Dipyridamole can cause chest pain, which can be a symptom of a heart attack. The risk of chest pain is increased in people with existing heart disease. Do not take dipyridamole if you have unstable angina or had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking dipyridamole. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Dipyridamole may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use dipyridamole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take dipyridamole.

  • Dipyridamole
  • Persantine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dipyridamole products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Dipyridamole should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking dipyridamole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.  See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about dipyridamole before using it?

Do not take dipyridamole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share dipyridamole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep dipyridamole out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using dipyridamole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dipyridamole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, such as a previous heart attack or chest pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Myasthenia gravis, which is a specific muscle problem

Stress Test.  Tell your healthcare provider if you are going to have a stress test for your heart. Dipyridamole can increase the risk of side effects from some medicines that are used in medical procedures, such as heart stress tests.  Tell all healthcare providers that you take dipyridamole, especially if you will be getting any tests done in a hospital or clinic.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dipyridamole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Dipyridamole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take dipyridamole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does dipyridamole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dipyridamole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dipyridamole. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking dipyridamole.

Does dipyridamole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using/taking dipyridamole.

  • Abrocitinib (Cibinqo), which is a medicine commonly used for atopic dermatitis
  • Riociguat (Adempas), which is a medicine commonly used for pulmonary hypertension
  • A cholinesterase inhibitor, such as pyridostigmine, which is commonly used for myasthenia gravis

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with dipyridamole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dipyridamole?

If you or someone else has used too much dipyridamole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dipyridamole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.