Health Library

Dipyridamole (By mouth)

Dipyridamole (dye-pir-ID-a-mole)

Keeps blood clots from forming after some types of heart surgery. Also used to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Used in combination with other medicines.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• This medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If you have stomach upset, take it with food or milk.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an anticholinesterase medicine, adenosine, Anturane®, Ticlid®, or blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin®).
• If your doctor has told you to take aspirin with this medicine, take ONLY the amount of aspirin prescribed.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have severe heart disease, low blood pressure (hypotension), or chest pain. Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have liver disease.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to decrease dizziness.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, or fast or uneven heart beat.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling unusually restless, tired, or weak.
• Flushing (redness) in the face, or feeling warm.
• Headache.
• Mild muscle or joint pain, or numbness or tingling in your arms and legs.
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
• Rash or itchy skin.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024