dipyridamole

Dipyridamole is a small molecule antiplatelet agent and vasodilator primarily used to prevent blood clots after heart valve replacement and as secondary prophylaxis against stroke, often in combination with aspirin. It acts as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (mainly PDE3), increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in platelets by preventing their degradation. This elevation inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces thrombotic risk. Dipyridamole also blocks the uptake and metabolism of adenosine by erythrocytes and vascular endothelial cells, potentiates the antiaggregating action of prostacyclin, stimulates prostacyclin release, increases local concentrations of adenosine, has antioxidant properties, and may potentiate some effects of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. It is also used for myocardial perfusion imaging as an alternative to exercise-induced stress testing[1][2][3][5][6][8].

Brand names

PersantineAggrenox

Other names

DipiridamolDipyridamineDipyridamolumDipyudamineDypyridamol