DIPYRIDAMOLE - INJECTION
Common Brand Name(s): Persantine IV
Phonetic Pronunciation: (dye-peer-ID-ah-mole)
Information last revised May 2010
What does DIPYRIDAMOLE - INJ look like?
dipyridamole 5 mg/mL IV
Uses:
This medication is used to test the heart for blocked arteries and heart damage ("chemical" stress test). In a normal stress test, a patient exercises to make the heart beat faster. Dipyridamole may be used if you cannot safely exercise enough to make your heart beat faster. It causes the blood vessels in the heart to open. Diseased blood vessels do not open as well as healthy vessels, and this effect can be seen in images of the heart that are taken during the test.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
How To Use
Avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, certain soft drinks) or eating large amounts of chocolate for 24 hours before the test. Caffeine can interfere with the effects of this medication. Certain medications (xanthines such as aminophylline/theophylline) can also interfere with the test. Ask your doctor for more information about what medications/foods/drinks you should avoid before your test. If you use any medications, ask your doctor about continuing to use them before the test. This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-platelet drugs (e.g., aspirin, ticlopidine), certain drugs for myasthenia gravis (cholinesterase inhibitors such as edrophonium, pyridostigmine), xanthine derivatives (e.g., aminophylline, theophylline). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Medical tests (e.g., EKG, blood pressure, heart rate) will be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects during the test and for at least 10 to 15 minutes after the test.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using dipyridamole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), heart disease (e.g., severe coronary artery disease, angina), liver disease, certain nerve/muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
Pain at the injection site, nausea, flushing, headache, numbness/tingling, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: difficulty breathing/wheezing, fainting, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
