PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FORTHE USER    D02211

Dipyridamole 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension

Dipyridamole

(Referred to as Dipyridamole Oral Suspension in this leaflet)

What is in this leaflet:

1.    What Dipyridamole Oral Suspension is and what it is used for

2.    What you need to know before you take Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

3.    How to take Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

4.    Possible side effects

5.    How to store Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

6.    Contents of the pack and other information

1.    What Dipyridamole Oral Suspension is and what it is used for

The name of this medicine is Dipyridamole Oral Suspension. It contains dipyridamole. This belongs to a group of medicines called'anti thrombotic agents', which are used to help stop blood clots forming which may occur if you have had your heart valves replaced.

2.    What you need to know before you take Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

Do not take Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

•    if you are allergic to dipyridamole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). The signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, itching or shortness of breath.

Dipyridamole Oral Suspension is not suitable for children. Do not give your child Dipyridamole Oral Suspension.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Dipyridamole Oral Suspension if:

•    You have angina or other heart problems (including heart valve or circulation problems)

•    You have had a recent heart attack

•    You have myasthenia gravis (a rare muscle problem)

•    You have any bleeding problems

•    You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding

•    You have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (including diabetes)

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Dipyridamole Oral Suspension.

Other medicines and Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

In particular tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

•    Medicines for high blood pressure

•    Medicines for muscle weakness such as something called a 'cholinesterase inhibitor'

•    Antacids - for indigestion

•    Aspirin (or planning to take aspirin for any condition)

•    Adenosine injection - used for heart problems or tests on the heart

•    Warfarin or other medicines to stop blood clots forming. If so, tell them at your next visit to the anticoagulant clinic that you are taking Dipyridamole Oral Suspension.

Having a heart test using an injection of Dipyridamole

Dipyridamole is also sometimes given as an injection during tests to see if the heart is working properly (also called'myocardial imaging'). This means that the test and this medicine may contain the same substance.

If you are going to have an injection of dipyridamole, tell the doctor that you are taking Dipyridamole Oral Suspension.

Dipyridamole Oral Suspension with food and drink

Take this medicine half to one hour before food.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, thinkyou may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, askyour doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Dipyridamole Oral Suspension should only be used during breast-feeding if your doctor considers it essential.

Driving and using machines

Dipyridamole Oral Suspension might cause dizziness or faintness and therefore can affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Dipyridamole Oral Suspension contains Methyl and Propyl hydroxybenzoates and Liquid Maltitol

•    Methyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

•    Liquid Maltitol. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars (including diabetes), contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. May have a mild laxative effect. Calorific value 2.3 kcal/g maltitol.

3.    How to take Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

•    The recommended dose is between a total of 300 and 600 mg each day.

•    This is taken in three or four separate doses.

•    The most you can take in a day is 600 mg.

•    Shake the bottle well before use.

If you take more Dipyridamole Oral Suspension than you should

If you take more of this medicine than you should talk to a doctor or go to a hospital immediately. Take the medicine pack with you so the doctor knows what you have taken.

If you forget to take Dipyridamole Oral Suspension

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Take your next dose as soon as you remember.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, askyour doctor or pharmacist.

4.    Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Allergic Reaction

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking this medicine and see a doctor straight away.

The signs may include

•    feeling breathless

•    runny nose

•    severe rash with itching

•    itching and swelling

•    swelling around the eyes.

Other side effects are:

•    Hot flushes

•    Lowering of blood pressure

•    Worsening of the symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain and increased heart beat

•    A blood problem called'thrombocytopenia'which can cause bruising and prolonged bleeding from wounds. This can occur both during or after surgery

In people who have gallstones, the dipyridamole in this medicine can be absorbed into the gallstone.

The side effects listed below usually go away as treatment continues:

•    Headache or feeling dizzy or faint

•    Being sick (vomiting), feeling sick (nausea), indigestion or diarrhoea

•    Muscle pain

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

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