Persantin retard

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient dipyridamole, which is a type of medicine known as an antiplatelet agent. It prevents blood cells called platelets from clumping together inside the blood vessels, and is sometimes referred to as a 'blood thinner'. It also dilates the blood vessels. Platelets are the blood cells that start off the process of blood clotting. Blood clots normally only form to stop bleeding that has occurred as a result of injury to the tissues. The process is complicated and begins when platelets adhere to the site of damage and clump together. They then produce chemicals that attract more platelets and clotting factors to the area, and eventually a solid clot is formed. This is the body's natural way of repairing itself. Sometimes, however, a blood clot can form inside the blood vessels. This is known as a thrombus and can be dangerous because the clot may detach and travel in the bloodstream (thomboembolism). It may eventually get lodged in a blood vessel, thereby blocking the blood supply to a vital organ such as the brain. Some people have an increased tendency for blood clots to form within the blood vessels. This is usually due to a disturbance in the blood flow within the blood vessels. For example, fatty deposits on the walls of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis) can disrupt the blood flow, giving a tendency for platelets to clump together and start off the clotting process. People with heart valve disease who have had an artificial heart valve inserted are also at increased risk of blood clots, because platelets can adhere to the artificial valve. This may lead to a blood clot forming on the valve, which could then detach and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Dipyridamole is used to prevent platelets from forming blood clots. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme found in platelets called phosphodiesterase. Inside the platelets phosphodiesterase normally breaks down a chemical called cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP plays a key role in blood clotting. If the level of cyclic AMP in the platelets is high this prevents the platelets from clumping together. Dipyridamole causes the levels of cyclic AMP in the platelets to rise, because it stops phosphodiesterase from breaking it down. This means that dipyridamole stops the platelets from clumping together and causing a blood clot. Dipyridamole is used to prevent blood clots forming on artificial heart valves. It is used in combination with an anticoagulant medicine such as warfarin, which prevents blood clots in a different way. The combination of medicines reduces the chance of a clot forming on the valve and then detaching and travelling in the blood vessels. Dipyridamole is also given to people who have experienced a stroke or a mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack) caused by a clot reducing the blood flow to parts of the brain. Dipyridamole is used to prevent the formation of further blood clots that could cause another stroke. This is known as secondary prevention. The only brand of dipyridamole licensed for this use is the controlled release form, Persantin retard.

What is it used for?

Preventing dangerous blood clots (thromboembolism) in people with artificial heart valves

Preventing further mini-strokes

Preventing further strokes in people who have already had an ischaemic stroke

Warning!

This medicine may cause dizziness and so may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

Dipyridamole is sometimes given by injection during certain types of diagnostic tests on the heart. If you are taking dipyridamole regularly by mouth you should not be given an additional dose of dipyridamole by injection, unless your doctor feels it will be necessary for a heart test, in which case you should be asked to stop taking your oral dipyridamole 24 hours before the test.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Bleeding disorders

Heart failure

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Migraine

Narrowing of the main artery coming from the heart (aortic stenosis)

People who have recently had a heart attack

Severe coronary artery disease

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus, particularly in the first trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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