Persantin SR

Generic Name: Dipyridamole
Product Name: Persantin SR

Indication

Persantin is indicated for use in patients with prosthetic heart valves to prevent post-operative thromboembolic complications. It is used in combination with other anticoagulant medications.

Action

Platelets are blood cells that contribute to clot formation. Persantin prevents clot formation by preventing platelets from sticking to one another, particularly in patients with hypercoagulability (that is, patients who form clots more frequently than is normal). Persantin also causes the coronary artery, which supplies the heart muscle, to dilate.

Dose advice

The usual dose is 100 mg four times daily. Persantin should be taken one hour before eating.

Schedule

Schedule 4

Common side effects

The following side effects are considered common:

They are usually mild and short-lived and do not usually warrant stopping the medication.

• Headache, which may be severe.
• Nausea, vomiting
• Somach upset
• Diarrhoea
• Muscular aches
• Dizziness
• Flushing of the face
• Low blood pressure
• Hot flushes
• Fast heart rate
• Worsening of coronary artery disease, including angina.

Uncommon side effects

Uncommon side effects include:

• The incorporation of dipyridamole into gallstones.
• Thrombocytopaenia (lower than normal levels of platelets in the blood)
• Hypersensitivity – rash, itchy red areas of swelling on the skin and possibly swelling of the lips and tissues around the eyes and airway spasm.
• Excessive bleeding during or after an operation (rare).

For further information talk to your doctor.