dipyridamole at a glance
Medicine class
Antiplatelet agent
Main role
Preventing unwanted blood clots after stroke or TIA, or alongside anticoagulation for prosthetic heart valves
Modified-release capsules
Swallow whole without chewing or crushing
What is dipyridamole used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attacks; selected modified-release capsules may be used alone or with aspirin.
Use alongside oral anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism associated with prosthetic heart valves.
How does dipyridamole work?
Dipyridamole increases signalling molecules including adenosine and cyclic nucleotides around platelets. This reduces platelet activation and aggregation, making unwanted clot formation less likely. Its vasodilator action also explains effects such as headache, flushing, dizziness and low blood pressure.
dipyridamole preparations and strengths
Modified-release capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg/5 mL
How to take dipyridamole
Follow the instructions for the particular formulation because administration differs between products.
Swallow modified- or prolonged-release capsules whole with water; do not chew or crush them.
Meal advice differs: Attia is preferably taken with meals, while the selected Strides capsule may be taken with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension thoroughly before measuring it. Use an oral syringe or medicine spoon rather than a kitchen teaspoon, and take it before meals.
dipyridamole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, breathlessness or a fast heartbeat
- Unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, or bleeding around an operation
- Severe dizziness, faintness or symptoms of low blood pressure
- Swelling of the face, mouth or throat; wheezing or difficulty breathing
dipyridamole in pregnancy
Information about dipyridamole in human pregnancy is limited, so it is not commonly used. A prescriber may recommend it when the expected benefit is judged to outweigh possible risk. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive with the prescribing team.
dipyridamole while breastfeeding
Dipyridamole may be used cautiously during breastfeeding after an individual assessment, particularly when the infant is full-term and healthy. Evidence is limited; monitor the infant for vomiting, diarrhoea, irritability, rash, bruising or bleeding and seek specialist advice for premature or unwell infants.
dipyridamole interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Anticoagulants and other antiplatelets
Effects on clotting may be additive, increasing bleeding risk.
Aspirin or ibuprofen used for pain
These can increase bleeding risk and should not be added unless a clinician confirms they are appropriate. Prescribed antiplatelet aspirin is a separate context.
Common questions about dipyridamole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dipyridamole a blood thinner?
It is commonly described that way, but more precisely it is an antiplatelet: it makes platelets less likely to stick together rather than reducing clotting-factor activity.
Can dipyridamole be taken with aspirin?
They are sometimes prescribed together for clot prevention. Do not add aspirin yourself because their platelet effects are additive.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.