Medical term:

dipyridamole


dipyridamole

 [di″pi-rid´ah-mōl]
a platelet inhibitor and coronary vasodilator, used to prevent clotting associated with mechanical heart valves and to treat transient ischemic attacks. It is also used as an adjunct in the prevention of myocardial reinfarction and as an adjunct in radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

dipyridamole

Apo-Dipyridamole FC (CA), Apo-Dipyridamole SC (CA), Persantin (UK), Persantine

Pharmacologic class: Platelet adhesion inhibitor

Therapeutic class: Antiplatelet agent, diagnostic agent (coronary vasodilator)

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Unclear. May reduce platelet aggregation by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, adenosine uptake, or formation of thromboxane A2.

Availability

Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ To prevent thromboembolism in patients with prosthetic heart valves

Adults: 75 to 100 mg P.O. q.i.d.

Off-label uses

• Prevention of myocardial reinfarction (given with aspirin)

• Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• hypotension, hepatic insufficiency, severe coronary artery disease

• pregnant or breastfeeding patients

• children younger than age 12 (safety not established).

Administration

• Know that drug is usually given with warfarin when used to prevent thromboembolism.

• Give with a full glass of water at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If gastric distress occurs, give with food.

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, headache

CV: hypotension

GI: abdominal distress

Hepatic: hepatic failure

Skin: rash

Interactions

Drug-drug. Adenosine: increased adenosine plasma level and CV effects

Cholinesterase inhibitors: counteracts activity of cholinesterase inhibitors

Drug-diagnostic tests. Hepatic enzymes: increased levels

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased risk of hypotension

Patient monitoring

• Monitor for therapeutic efficacy, including improved exercise tolerance and decreased need for nitrates.

• Assess platelet and coagulation studies regularly.

• Monitor ECG and vital signs, especially blood pressure.

• Monitor hepatic function tests regularly.

Patient teaching

• Advise patient to take drug 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals for best absorption.

☞ Instruct patient to immediately report unusual tiredness, chest pain or other cardiac symptoms, upper right abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, or dark urine.

• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.

McGraw-Hill Nurse's Drug Handbook, 7th Ed. Copyright © 2013 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved

dipyridamole

(dī-pĭr′ĭ-də-mōl′, dī′pə-rĭd′ə-mōl′)
n.
A drug, C24H40N8O4, that acts as a coronary vasodilator and is used in the long-term treatment of angina pectoris and as an antiplatelet agent.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

dipyridamole

A drug used to reduce platelet stickiness and thus the risk of STROKE in people having TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACKS. Aspirin is more effective, but sometimes cannot be safely taken. A brand name is Persantin.
Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

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