IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
DIPYRIDAMOLE - INJECTION
(dye-peer-ID-ah-mole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Persantine 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.
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. Health care professionals must follow all the manufacturer's instructions for properly mixing and giving this drug. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using, check this medication visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
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, 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.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using dipyridamole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
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. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. 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.
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.
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.
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.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store in original packaging at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
After this medication is mixed, discard any unused solution. Do not save for later use.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.