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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
Dipyridamole (dye-peer-ID-a-mole) is used as part of a medical test that shows how well blood is flowing to your heart. The test can show your doctor whether any of the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart are blocked or in danger of becoming blocked. Your doctor can then decide on the best treatment for you. Exercise (for example, walking on a treadmill) is usually used to give your doctor this information. Dipyridamole is used instead of exercise for people who are not able to exercise at all, or cannot exercise hard enough.
The dose of dipyridamole that is used to test how well blood is flowing to your heart will be different for different patients and depends on your body weight.
For information on other uses of dipyridamole, see Dipyridamole--Therapeutic (Systemic) .
Dipyridamole is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, test results may be affected by other things. For dipyridamole, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to dipyridamole. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Although studies have not been done in pregnant women, dipyridamole has not been reported to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that dipyridamole decreased the number of successful pregnancies in female rats given many times the maximum human dose.
Breast-feeding--Although dipyridamole passes into breast milk, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children--This medicine has been tested only in adults and in children older than 12 years of age. There is no specific information comparing use of dipyridamole in children younger than 12 years of age with use in other age groups.
Older adults--Dipyridamole for diagnostic use has been tested in older people. It has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Before you receive dipyridamole, it is especially important that your doctor knows if you are taking any of the following:
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dipyridamole. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
While you are receiving dipyridamole, and for a while after you have received it, your doctor will closely follow its effects. If necessary, your doctor can give you a medicine that will stop any unwanted effects. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of the following side effects :
More common
Chest pain
Less common or rare
Decreased sensitivity to touch; dizziness, sweating, or sudden, severe headache; headache (severe and throbbing); fast breathing; fast heartbeat; muscle stiffness; sharp pain in either or both sides of the chest; shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, or wheezing; skin rash or itching
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away in a little while. However, check with your doctor if they continue or are bothersome:
More common
Abdominal or stomach cramps; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache
Less common
Flushing; nausea or vomiting; weakness
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 5/20/99
Interim revision:
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