Persantine

Generic name: Dipyridamole

What is Persantine?

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 warfarin. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

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

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 when these two drugs are taken together. 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. (Persantine is commonly given with the anticoagulant warfarin. It should be noted that aspirin should not be given at the same time as coumarin anticoagulants.)

Persantine has been known to cause liver problems, including liver failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs of liver trouble: nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, itching, yellowish skin, flu-like symptoms, and pain in the upper right abdomen.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Persantine. This medication may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Persantine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Persantine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Persantine should be used with caution in patients who have severe heart problems because symptoms such as chest pain may be aggravated while taking this medication. Persantine should also be used with caution in patients with hypotension (low blood pressure).

Who should not take Persantine?

Do not take Persantine if you are allergic to the medication or to any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Persantine?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Persantine. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, angina, recent heart attack, liver problems, or low blood pressure,

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual recommended dose is 75 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg, taken 4 times a day. Persantine is usually taken as an adjunct to an anticoagulant such as warfarin. (Aspirin should not be given at the same time as coumarin anticoagulants.)

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Persantine have not been established in children less than 12 years of age.

How should I take Persantine?

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

It is best to take Persantine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating, 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 Persantine to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.

What should I avoid while taking Persantine?

Do not take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen during therapy with Persantine. The combination could lead to bleeding, especially in your stomach. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain, inflammation (including arthritis), or fever.

Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Persantine may make you dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid standing or sitting up to quickly because Persantine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Persantine?

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: adenosine; Alzheimer's drugs such as donepezil, tacrine, and rivastigmine; anticholinesterases such as neostigmine; aspirin; blood thinners such as warfarin; heart medications such as adenosine; indomethacin; ticlopidine; and valproic acid.

What are the possible side effects of Persantine?

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

Side effects may include: abdominal distress, dizziness, diarrhea, flushing, headache, itching, vomiting, chest pain, fast heartbeat, swelling of the throat

Can I receive Persantine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Persantine during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This drug appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If Persantine is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Persantine is finished.

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

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

How should I store Persantine?

Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.