What adverse effects should be monitored when a patient is on Persantine?

Persantine, also known as dipyridamole, is primarily used as an antiplatelet agent to prevent blood clots. When monitoring a patient on this medication, bronchospasm and hypotension are notable adverse effects to watch for.

Bronchospasm is a significant concern, particularly in patients with a history of asthma or other respiratory conditions. This reaction occurs due to the medication’s vasodilatory effects, which can occasionally lead to increased airway resistance.

Hypotension can also occur as a result of the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole. This can be particularly pronounced when the drug is administered intravenously, as in some cardiology settings. Monitoring blood pressure is essential to ensure that patients do not experience negative effects from decreased blood pressure.

While severe headache, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, and visual disturbances may occur with various medications, they are not specifically associated with dipyridamole to the degree seen with bronchospasm and hypotension. Understanding these specific risks allows for better patient management and timely interventions when necessary.