Dipyridamole is a blood-thinning medicine. It prevents special cells in the blood from sticking to each other. This reduces the risk of harmful blood clots forming in your body. Blood clots that form in a blood vessel inside the brain or in a vessel leading to the brain can cause a stroke.
This medicine is used together with other medicines to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have a high risk of getting them. This includes those who have had a stroke before and are at risk of getting another stroke, and people with medical conditions that may increase their chances of getting a stroke.
Dipyridamole is also used together with other blood-thinning medicines to prevent blood clots in people who have had an artificial heart valve replacement.
Take Dipyridamole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take it with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Dipyridamole is available as a conventional or sugar-coated tablet, modified-release capsule, and oral suspension.
If you are taking the modified-release type of capsule (usually labelled as "MR" or "SR"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the capsule.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition.
Dipyridamole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart problems e.g. recent heart attack, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), unstable angina (chest pain that occurs randomly or unexpectedly)
- low blood pressure
- blood clotting disorder
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- asthma
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Dipyridamole.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
Dipyridamole may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, flushing, muscle pain, and skin rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath
- rapid heartbeat
- lightheadedness, fainting or passing out
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines that neutralise stomach acids
- adenosine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dipyridamole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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