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Home > Drug Category > Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors > Persantine and Equivalent

Persantine Information

Persantine (Dipyridamole) is used to prevent the formation of blood clots, or thromboembolism, a condition in which a dangerous clot travels through the bloodstream and obstructs blood flow, often leading to serious events like stroke. Persantine is primarily used in combination with another blood thinner (usually warfarin) to prevent blood clots (thromboembolism) in patients who have had mechanical heart valve replacements. These mechanical valves are prone to clot formation, making this a critical use. It is also often used in a combination with aspirin for the secondary prevention of stroke (to prevent a second stroke).

Dipyridamole belongs to the class of platelet aggregation inhibitors (or antiplatelets). Dipyridamole appears to prevent the cellular uptake of adenosine and also inhibits certain enzymes. This biochemical dance leads to increased cyclic AMP in platelets, signaling them to relax and not clump. Aside from its antiplatelet activity, Dipyridamole has also been shown to have vasodilatory properties. It effectively increases blood adenosine concentration. This elevated adenosine then acts on receptors in the blood vessel walls, causing the coronary arteries to widen (vasodilation) and improving blood flow. This is why the intravenous formulation of this medication is helpful in some cardiac imaging procedures, to examine how well blood is flowing through the heart.

Persantine Side Effects

Like any medication, dipyridamole can cause unwanted effects. Because it's a vasodilator, some of the more common side effects are often related to changes in blood flow. These include flushing, headache, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, and body weakness. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these temporary side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Chest pain;
• Easy bruising or bleeding as a result of clotting problems;
• Gallstones;
• Gastrointestinal bleeding with symptoms such as black or tarry stools, spitting up of blood, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds;
• Liver problems with symptoms such as yellow eyes and skin, nausea, vomiting;
• Low blood pressure

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Persantine Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dipyridamole, other ingredients in Persantine, or any other medications. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Asthma;
• Heart disease;
• Hypotension (low blood pressure);
• Liver disease;
• Muscle problems such as myasthenia gravis

Please do not use this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless recommended by your doctor after clinical evaluation of its risks and benefits. Some medications, such as adenosine, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and cholinesterase inhibitors, may interact with dipyridamole, causing adverse drug interactions. Therefore, before commencing this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription and herbal medicine.

This medication is available in tablets for oral use. It is essential to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dose for you, as it usually varies depending on various factors. Ensure you use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Store this medication at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Persantine?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Persantine.