What is dipyridamole medicine for?

Dipyridamole is a drug that is used as one of the main drugs in the treatment of some diseases and health problems due to its analgesic and antipyretic effects. Dipyridamole drug, in addition to its excellent benefits, has various side effects, precautions and contraindications and should be taken according to the doctor’s prescription. Stay with us for more information.
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Pharmaceutical forms of dipyridamole
Chemical and herbal medicines produced by pharmacies are produced in various medicinal forms, such as tablets, syrups, capsules, injectable solutions, serums, etc. The doctor should prescribe different types of drugs according to the physical conditions, medical records and age of the patient (adults, children and elderly). Dipyridamole is available on the market in the form of injectable solution of 5 mg/ml and regular tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg. Based on the patient’s needs and the type of disease, the doctor should prescribe the best forms of medicine for him.
Uses of dipyridamole tablets
This drug is used in combination with “blood thinners” such as warfarin to prevent clots from forming after heart valve replacement. A blood clot is a serious complication that can cause a stroke, heart attack, or blockage of blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet drug that helps maintain blood flow by preventing platelets from clumping together and keeping the heart’s blood vessels open. The most important uses of this product include the prevention of thromboembolism after heart valve replacement, helping with thallium myocardial perfusion imaging, etc.
Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of dipyridamole drug
The mechanism of action of dipyridamole tablet includes non-nitrate coronary vasodilator, inhibition of RBC adenosine absorption and as a result inhibition of platelet reaction, inhibition of thromboxane A2 formation (vasoconstrictor and platelet activation stimulant) and inhibition of phosphodiesterase increases cAMP in platelets. Metabolism takes place through the liver, the peak time of consumption is 2-2.5 hours, and excretion takes place through feces.
Dipyridamole dosage
Take dipyridamole by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 4 times a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time every day to help you remember. The dosage is very different for different diseases, also due to the high sensitivity of these drugs, it is better to consult your doctor regarding the usage method. The doctor determines your dosage according to your physical strength and type of disease.
How to take dipyridamole tablets in adults
- To prevent thromboembolism after heart valve replacement, take 75-100 mg every 6 hours as a supplement to warfarin.
- To aid in myocardial perfusion imaging, the thallium dose is determined based on the patient’s weight. The recommended dose is 142 mg/kg, which should not exceed 60 mg per day.
- For other uses to prevent the recurrence of MI (combined with aspirin) it has no benefit compared to aspirin alone.
How to use dipyridamole tablets in the elderly
- Elderly and elderly patients should consult their doctor before using any medicine and be aware of its risks in old age.
- To prevent thromboembolism after heart valve replacement, 75-100 mg every 6 hours is prescribed as a supplement to warfarin.
- To aid in myocardial perfusion imaging, a thallium dose of 142 mg/kg is prescribed based on the patient’s weight, with a total dose not exceeding 60 mg per day.
Time to take dipyridamole tablets
Before using dipyridamole tablets, carefully read the drug information on the product packaging. On the packaging, detailed information on how to use, uses, cautions, etc. is given to you. This product is also used in the elderly and children. Before taking any medicine, the elderly should consult a doctor about the side effects and risks of using the medicine so that the doctor can change the dosage or prescribe similar medicines if necessary.
Precautions
Before using dipyridamole tablets, if you are allergic to it or other ingredients in the medicine, avoid using the medicine. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If you have medical history such as heart problems (severe coronary artery disease, recent heart attack), low blood pressure, liver disease. A specific muscle problem (myasthenia gravis) and… consult a doctor. This product causes confusion and drowsiness in some patients, so avoid doing things that require alertness.
- Dipyridamole has a vasodilator effect and should be used with caution in patients with severe coronary artery disease (eg, unstable angina or recent stable myocardial infarction). Chest pain may be exacerbated in patients with underlying coronary artery disease who are receiving medication.
- An increase in liver enzymes and liver failure have been reported in connection with the administration of the treatment.
- The drug should be used with caution in hypotensive patients because it can cause peripheral vasodilation.
- Taking the drug within 48 hours before the stress test with intravenous dipyridamole or other adenosinergic agents may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications of these agents and impair the sensitivity of the test.
- Clinical experience suggests that patients who are being treated and also require a pharmacological stress test with intravenous dipyridamole or other adenosinergic agents (eg, adenosine, regadenoson) should discontinue treatment for 48 hours before the stress test.
Contraindications for dipyridamole
All chemical and herbal medicines have contraindications, precautions and side effects. Do not take dipyridamole tablets at the same time with other non-prescription drugs. Although the contraindications of this product are related to pregnancy (in limited form) and hypersensitivity, other patients should use it considering their medical records. If all precautions and contraindications are observed, we see less side effects and problems in patients.
Dipyridamole side effects
Dizziness, upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and flushing are some of the side effects of dipyridamole tablets. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. To reduce the risk of dizziness and light-headedness, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Most people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects. The serious side effects of this product include fainting, stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, unusual bleeding and bruising, chest pain, severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes, difficulty speaking, confusion, etc. .
- Chest pain
- Exacerbation of angina
- Abnormal ECG
- Headache and dizziness
- Abdominal, oral discomfort
- Extrasystole
- nausea
- blood pressure
- General pain
- Oral headache
Drug interactions of dipyridamole
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Prepare a list of your chemical and herbal medicines and show them to the doctor so that you can stop taking some of them if necessary. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without your doctor’s approval. Riociguat drugs, other antiplatelet drugs (such as abciximab, ticlopidine) and… cause drug interactions with dipyridamole. If you are not currently taking aspirin, talk to your doctor about any medical conditions before starting. This medicine is sometimes used with other medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding.
Use of dipyridamole during pregnancy and breastfeeding
So far, no specific data or information has been published regarding the risk of dipyridamole tablets in pregnant women and children. Also, the animal data of this product did not show any risk or the risk to the fetus is very small.
Storage conditions for dipyridamole tablets
Dipyridamole should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all chemical and herbal medicines out of the reach of children and animals. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Avoid pouring all kinds of medicines into the toilet well, street and sewer.
The last word about dipyridamole tablets
In this article from Positive Green online pharmacy magazine, we reviewed the details and complete information of dipyridamole tablets. This drug is used as one of the important tools in the treatment of various diseases and general ailments with its anti-pain and anti-fever properties. However, keep in mind that taking any medication requires consulting a doctor.
As consumers, we have the responsibility to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions and use dipyridamole tablets in the right amount and in the right conditions. Also, we should keep in mind the side effects after using this product and inform our doctor if any unusual symptoms occur.
Site source: Medscape