Dipyridamole is a medication you’ll hear about in two main places: paired with aspirin to help prevent repeat strokes, and as a drug used during cardiac stress tests. It works differently from common blood thinners — it helps stop platelets from clumping and boosts blood flow by widening small blood vessels. That mix makes it useful but also one you should use with awareness.
Used for stroke prevention, dipyridamole is often combined with low-dose aspirin (brand combo: Aggrenox). Studies show the aspirin-plus-dipyridamole combo can lower the risk of another ischemic stroke for some patients compared with aspirin alone. In cardiology, dipyridamole is given intravenously during certain nuclear stress tests to simulate exercise by increasing flow in healthy vessels while leaving narrowed ones unchanged — that helps spot blocked arteries.
If your doctor suggests dipyridamole, ask why it’s the choice for you and how it compares to alternatives like clopidogrel or plain aspirin. The best option depends on your history, other meds, and bleeding risk.
Common side effects are headache, dizziness, flushing, stomach upset, and low blood pressure. Because it affects platelet function, dipyridamole increases bleeding risk, especially if you take other blood thinners or NSAIDs. Tell your provider about any anticoagulant, antiplatelet, or herbal supplements (like fish oil) you use.
Typical dosing varies by use. For stroke prevention, the extended-release capsule combining dipyridamole (200 mg) with aspirin (25 mg) is usually taken twice daily. For pharmacologic stress testing, the IV dose is given in a controlled setting by a trained team. Don’t change doses on your own — dosing depends on the exact product and your medical condition.
Practical tips: take the extended-release capsules whole (don’t crush). Monitor blood pressure and watch for unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, black stools, or severe headaches — report these to your clinician. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose; don’t double up.
Before any surgery or dental work, tell the team you’re on dipyridamole. Also mention it if you’re starting new drugs — some meds can interact by raising bleeding risk or affecting blood pressure. If you have severe bleeding, recent major surgery, or uncontrolled low blood pressure, dipyridamole may not be right for you.
Want more details or real-world tips? Search our Resource Center for articles on blood-thinning options, stroke prevention, and safe medication use to compare choices and get the questions to bring to your doctor.
This article explores the potential use of dipyridamole in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. It discusses the drug's properties, its effects on the brain, and why it could be a promising option for addressing cognitive decline. The article also touches on current research and what it means for future treatments.
View more