ADMINISTRATION ROUTES:
PO, NG
ALTERNATIVE NAMES:
Persantin, Pytazen
ICU INDICATIONS:
- Adjunct to oral anticoagulants in circumstances where there is high risk of thrombosis
PRESENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:
PO:
Immediate Release Tablets:
25mg tablets (orange)
Twice Daily Sustained Release Tablets and Modified Release Capsules:
Pytazen SR 150 mg tablets (yellow), Persantin Perlongets 150 mg Capsules (pink/white)
DOSAGE:
PO / NG:
150 mg sustained release BD or
300 - 600 mg total immediate release, divided & given 6-8hrly
Use immediate release tablets if administering via NG tube
DOSAGE IN RENAL FAILURE AND RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY:
Dose as in normal renal function
DOSAGE IN PAEDIATRICS:
The safety and efficacy of dipyridamole in children have not been established. Dipyridamole is not recommended for use in children.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Platelet aggregation inhibitor
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypersensitivity to dipyridamole
WARNINGS:
See PRECAUTIONS
PRECAUTIONS:
General:
Coronary Artery Disease:
Dipyridamole has a vasodilatory effect and should be used with caution in patients with severe coronary artery disease (e.g. unstable angina or recently sustained myocardial infarction). Chest pain may be aggravated in patients with underlying coronary artery disease who are receiving dipyridamole.
Hepatic Insufficiency:
Elevations of hepatic enzymes and hepatic failure have been reported in association with dipyridamole administration.
Hypotension:
Dipyridamole should be used with caution in patients with hypotension since it can produce peripheral vasodilation.
Laboratory Tests:
No tests in addition to standard ICU tests are required
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions:
None known
IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTIONS IN ICU:
Adenosine:
Dipyridamole has been reported to increase the plasma levels and cardiovascular effects of adenosine. Adjustment of adenosine dosage may be necessary.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors:
Dipyridamole may counteract the anticholinesterase effect of cholinesterase inhibitors, thereby potentially aggravating myasthenia gravis.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Body as a Whole:
Fatigue, malaise, myalgia
Neurological System:
Headache
Cardiovascular System:
Hypotension, palpitations, and tachycardia
Respiratory System:
severe bronchospasm, larynx oedema, angioedema
Gastrointestinal System:
Cholelithiasis, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, hepatitis
Dermatological System:
Rash, urticaria
Haematological System:
Thrombocytopaenia