How Dipyridamole works

Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together which decreases the formation of harmful blood clots.

Side Effects

Headache, Flushing of face, Dizziness, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Decreased blood pressure

Usage

Dipyridamole is used to prevent stroke
It is also used to prevent blood clot after artificial heart valves and reduce the risk of having another stroke in people who have already suffered a stroke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Dipyridamole a prodrug?

No. Dipyridamole is an active form of the drug

Q. What is Dipyridamole used for/prescribed for/what does it treat/what are Dipyridamole tablets for?

Dipyridamole is used along with other drugs (e.g. aspirin) to reduce risk of blood clots (deep venous thrombosis, recurrent venous thrombosis) which may occur typically after surgeries (e.g. heart valve replacement surgery)

Q. How does Dipyridamole work?

Dipyridamole belongs to a class of drugs called antithrombotic (anticoagulant) drugs with antiplatelet activity. It reduces clot formation by interfering with the activation of platelets which is essential in clot formation

Q. Is Dipyridamole a blood thinner/anticoagulant?

Yes. Dipyridamole is a blood thinner or anticoagulant and reduces risk of blood clots by inhibiting platelet activity that is essential in clot formation

Q. Is Dipyridamole a statin/NSAID?

No. Dipyridamole is a blood thinner or anticoagulant and reduces risk of blood clots. It does not have effects like statins (lowering blood cholesterol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs (reducing pain and inflammation)

Q. Does Dipyridamole contain aspirin?

Dipyridamole and aspirin are two different drugs with similar uses but different mechanism of action. Some marketed medicines may contain a combination of aspirin and Dipyridamole (e.g. Aggrenox)

Q. How does Dipyridamole stress test work?

The Dipyridamole stress test or thallium scan test helps your doctor identify areas of your heart which do not receive enough blood supply (myocardial perfusion) due to diseases of blood vessels in the heart (coronary artery disease). Dipyridamole is directly administered into blood vessels (IV) to induce stress on the heart which is similar to physical exercise by increasing blood flow to the heart. It is usually used in patients who cannot exercise.