Dipyridamole
Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots from forming. It works by increasing levels of adenosine, which helps inhibit platelet aggregation. This medication is commonly prescribed for secondary prevention of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often in combination with other blood thinners.
Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet agent that prevents blood clots by inhibiting adenosine reuptake into blood cells.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B01AC07
- RxNorm
- 3521
- Generic
- Dipyridamole
- Class
- atc-b01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule, suspension, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid near term due to potential effects on platelet function in newborn
fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
use with caution; drug excreted in small amounts in breast milk
monitor infant for bleeding tendencies
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
no major dose adjustments required but monitor for adverse effects
regular blood pressure and bleeding monitoring
pediatric_age
children under 18not established
not recommended; safety and efficacy not established in pediatric population
not applicable
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution; limited clinical experience
monitor renal function and for bleeding
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose reduction
use with caution; drug extensively metabolized in liver
monitor liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose
use with caution; limited data available
close monitoring for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information - ATC code B01AC07
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses including post-stroke and post-valve replacement therapy
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Used for secondary prevention of stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Often prescribed alongside low-dose aspirin for patients who have had a stroke or mini-stroke. Also utilized in cardiac stress imaging tests.
Inhibits the uptake of adenosine into platelets, endothelial cells, and red blood cells. This increases local adenosine concentrations, which raises cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in platelets, reducing their ability to clump together and form clots.
May cause headache or dizziness, especially when starting treatment. Take with food or at bedtime to reduce stomach upset. Avoid abrupt discontinuation. Inform your doctor before any surgical procedures, as it may affect bleeding risk.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy