Persantine is used to lessen the chance of stroke or other serious medical problems that may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by blood clots. It is only given when there is a large possibility that these problems may occur, such as when people have diseased heart valves replaced with mechanical valves, as dangerous blood clots are more likely to occur in these patients. Dipyridamole works by helping to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming.
This medication may also be used for other heart and blood conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dipyridamole is also sometimes used as part of a medical test that shows how well blood flows to your heart.
This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription.
This medication is available in the following forms:
Tablet
Extended release tablet
Extended release capsule
Solution
2 What to know before using
Before using Persantine, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies:
Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric:
No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children under 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric:
No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in elderly patients. However, this medication is not expected to cause different side effects in elderly patients than in younger adults.
Pregnancy:
This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category B. This means that animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the unborn baby, however there are are no studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have showed an adverse affect to the unborn baby, but studies in pregnant women have not shown a risk to the unborn baby.
Breastfeeding:
There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions:
Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.
Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take: •Riociguat
Using this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.
Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
Using this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Adenosine
Indomethacin
Tenecteplase
Other Interactions:
Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain mediations may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems:
Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Chest pain - The chance of side effects may be increased
Hypotension (low blood pressure) - Large amounts of this medication can make this condition worse.
3 Proper usage
To use Persantine properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
This medication works best when there is a constant amount in your bloodstream. To help keep the amount constant, this medication must be taken in regular doses.
This medication works best when taken with a full glass of water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. To lessen stomach upset, your doctor may want you to take the medication with food or milk.
Only take this medication as directed by your doctor. Do not take more, less or for a longer or shorter period of time than your doctor tells you.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Dosing:
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Adults - The normal dose is 75-100mg 4 times a day taken with an anti-coagulant (blooding thinning medication).
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage:
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep our of the reach of children.
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions to take
Before using Persantine, there are some precautions you must take.
This medication is sometimes used with an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) or aspirin. This combination of medications may proved better protection against the formation of blood clots than any of the medications used alone. However, the risk of bleeding may also increase when dipyridamole is taken with aspirin. To reduce the risk of bleeding:
Do not take aspirin or any combination medication containing aspirin unless the doctor who prescribed dipyridamole also prescribes aspirin. This is very important if you are taking an anti-coagulant with this medication.
If you have been prescribed aspirin with this medication, take only the dose of aspirin ordered by your doctor. If you need a medication to relieve pain or fever, your doctor may not want you to take extra aspirin.
Your doctor should check your progress at regular intervals.
Tell all of your doctors that you are taking this medication and if you are taking an anti-coagulant or aspirin with it.
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur after you take this medication, especially when getting up suddenly from a laying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may lessen this problem. If you feel dizzy, lie back down so you do not faint. Sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness or lightheadedness from returning.
5 Potential side effects
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Persantine.
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. Find doctors & request online appointments. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Easy & secure access! Simple Facebook login.
FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact
information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality.
