Dipyridamole
Pronunciation: (dye-peer-ID-uh-mole).
- Generic name
- Dipyridamole
- Brand names
- Asasantin, Angidil, Dypin, Aggrenox, Persantine, Aggrenox (with aspirin)
- Drug class
- Antiplatelet agent; Vasodilator
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Dipyridamole is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Dipyridamole works
Dipyridamole inhibits the uptake of adenosine into platelets, endothelial cells, and erythrocytes, increasing local concentrations of adenosine. This leads to increased activation of adenosine A2 receptors, resulting in inhibition of platelet aggregation and vasodilation. It also inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing cAMP levels in platelets, further reducing platelet activation. (1)
What Dipyridamole is used for
Adjunct to warfarin (a coumarin anticoagulant) for prevention of postoperative thromboembolic complications after cardiac valve replacement
This is the specific FDA-approved indication for dipyridamole tablets used alone. (2)
Stroke-risk reduction when combined with aspirin (as the fixed combination product, e.g. Aggrenox)
This broader antiplatelet/stroke-prevention use applies to the aspirin/extended-release-dipyridamole combination product, not to dipyridamole used alone. (2)
Before taking Dipyridamole
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to dipyridamole, severe hypotension, unstable angina, or active bleeding disorders. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Dipyridamole
- General Instructions: Take dipyridamole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than directed.. Adult Dosing: Typical oral dose is 75–100 mg four times daily, or as extended-release capsules (200 mg twice daily) when combined with aspirin.. Pediatric Dosing: Use in children is uncommon and should be determined by a pediatric specialist.. Administration: Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water. Take at the same times each day. Injection is given by a healthcare professional.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking dipyridamole suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of blood clots.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, weakness, flushing, or chest pain. Seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Chest pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Fainting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bleeding/bruising
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, unusual fatigue, or right upper abdominal pain
(2)Unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in urine/stool, or prolonged bleeding from a cut
(1)Worsening chest pain (angina)
(2)Serious warnings
May increase risk of bleeding, especially if taken with other blood thinners — serious
Symptoms: May increase risk of bleeding, especially if taken with other blood thinners. Use with caution in patients with low blood pressure. Not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment. May cause dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up quickly. Inform all healthcare providers that you are taking dipyridamole before any surgery or dental procedure.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
The FDA label reports elevations of liver enzymes and cases of hepatic failure with dipyridamole use — serious
Symptoms: The FDA label reports elevations of liver enzymes and cases of hepatic failure with dipyridamole use. Use caution in patients with coronary artery disease, since dipyridamole's vasodilating effect can worsen angina. If dipyridamole is being used before a pharmacological (adenosine-type) cardiac stress test, the FDA label specifies it should be discontinued at least 48 hours beforehand — this timing must be set by the ordering clinician.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to dipyridamole, severe hypotension, unstable angina, or active bleeding disorders. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, hypotension, or myasthenia gravis. Monitor closely in elderly patients and those with risk factors for bleeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Dipyridamole can interact with other antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin, clopidogrel), anticoagulants (like warfarin), blood pressure medications, and adenosine. These interactions may increase the risk of bleeding or alter the effects of either drug. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Adenosine and adenosinergic agents | Dipyridamole increases plasma levels and cardiovascular effects of adenosine and related agents; the FDA label specifies discontinuing dipyridamole at least 48 hours before pharmacological (adenosinergic) stress testing. Any such timing decision is made by the ordering clinician. | (2) |
| Cholinesterase inhibitors | Dipyridamole may counteract the effect of cholinesterase inhibitors, which can worsen myasthenia gravis symptoms. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Animal reproduction studies did not show fetal harm, but there are no adequate, well-controlled studies of dipyridamole in pregnant women, per the FDA label. Use during pregnancy only if a healthcare provider judges it necessary; discuss any pregnancy or plan for pregnancy with your prescriber. (2)
Breastfeeding
Dipyridamole passes into breast milk. The FDA label advises caution during nursing; discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider before use. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: The FDA label states safety and effectiveness in children under 12 years of age have not been established; use in children is uncommon and should be determined by a pediatric specialist. (2)
Renal_impairment
Not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment per the clinician database; the FDA label additionally reports elevated liver enzymes and cases of hepatic failure with dipyridamole use, so liver function should be monitored. Neither source reviewed gives a specific renal-impairment dose adjustment; use with caution and clinician oversight in renal impairment. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment per the clinician database; the FDA label additionally reports elevated liver enzymes and cases of hepatic failure with dipyridamole use, so liver function should be monitored. Neither source reviewed gives a specific renal-impairment dose adjustment; use with caution and clinician oversight in renal impairment. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F), in a tight, light-resistant container, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Antiplatelet agents
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Adjunct to warfarin after cardiac valve replacement
Dose summary: FDA-labeled adult dosing is 75-100 mg orally, four times daily, used with standard warfarin therapy. -- CORRECTS an internal inconsistency in the clinician database, which stated 'two to three times daily' in one section and 'four times daily' in another; the FDA label confirms four times daily is correct.
Renal context: No specific renal-impairment dose adjustment is given in the FDA label or the clinician database; use with caution and clinician oversight. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is dipyridamole used for?
Dipyridamole is used to prevent blood clots after heart valve replacement and to reduce the risk of stroke, often in combination with aspirin.
How does dipyridamole work?
It prevents platelets from sticking together and widens blood vessels, reducing the risk of clot formation.
Can I take dipyridamole with food?
Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.
What should I do if I experience side effects?
Mild side effects like headache or dizziness often improve. If you experience severe symptoms or signs of bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Is dipyridamole safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Discuss with your doctor. Dipyridamole should only be used if clearly needed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Can I stop taking dipyridamole suddenly?
No, do not stop without your doctor's advice, as this may increase your risk of blood clots.
Does dipyridamole interact with other medications?
Yes, it can interact with blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and some blood pressure medicines. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you take.
What happens if I take too much Dipyridamole?
Taking too much Dipyridamole can lead to symptoms such as flushing, sweating, restlessness, weakness, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, it may cause chest pain or fainting. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not delay in contacting emergency services or going to the nearest emergency room.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Dipyridamole?
It is generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Dipyridamole. As an antiplatelet agent, Dipyridamole can increase the risk of bleeding. Alcohol can also thin the blood and may exacerbate this risk, potentially leading to increased bruising or bleeding. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol intake with your medication.
Is Dipyridamole safe during pregnancy?
Dipyridamole's pregnancy category requires careful consideration. The safety of Dipyridamole during pregnancy has not been definitively established, and it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It is essential to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Dipyridamole.
What is the mechanism of action of Dipyridamole?
Dipyridamole inhibits the uptake of adenosine into platelets, endothelial cells, and erythrocytes, increasing local concentrations of adenosine. This leads to increased activation of adenosine A2 receptors, resulting in inhibition of platelet aggregation and vasodilation. It also inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing cAMP levels in platelets, further reducing platelet activation. (1)
What is the generic name of Dipyridamole?
The generic name is Dipyridamole. It is sold under brand names including Asasantin, Angidil, Dypin, Aggrenox, Persantine, Aggrenox (with aspirin).
What class of drug is Dipyridamole?
Dipyridamole is classed as: Antiplatelet agent; Vasodilator.
References
- Clinician-authored medicine record for DipyridamoleMedGuideGlobal (internal clinician-authored medicine record) · Global (internal database) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Dipyridamole (Persantine) tablets, for oral use — full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- DIPYRIDAMOLE INJECTION [HIKMA PHARMACEUTICALS USA INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Dipyridamole — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Dipyridamole — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA040874)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Dipyridamole — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 3521)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Dipyridamole names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
Canada
- PERSANTINE
- APO-DIPYRIDAMOLE-FC
- APO-DIPYRIDAMOLE-SC