Dipyridamole is mainly in tablet form but intravenously administered in some diseases. Next is the oral administration of the drug:
For Oral Administration:
Take Dipyridamole as per your doctor’s instructions. It is normally administered twice a day either with or without food.
Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablets as this can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.
If a dose is missed, one dose should be taken when it is remembered except if the next dose is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
For Injection into a Vein: A physician injects the dipyridamole in a clinic or hospital, typically as part of a test or for a specific medical procedure.
Important: Always do what your doctor instructs you to do and inform them about other drugs you are using.
Dipyridamole inhibits platelet activity, and it is also accountable for the effects of small blood cells to result in blood clotting. Dipyridamole produces this blockade through an accumulation of adenosine in the bloodstream, whose increased concentration is a result of inhibiting platelet clumping. Dipyridamole is also an inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase enzyme to kill cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a drug aimed at preventing platelet clumping.
Platelet Inhibition: It inhibits the platelet activation, and thus prevents clotting and platelet aggregation.
Vasodilation: Dipyridamole also causes blood vessels to dilate (open up), once again enhancing the flow of blood and decreasing the number of clots in constricted-down blood vessels.
This synergistic effect renders Dipyridamole a perfect prevention drug against clotting, especially in high-risk patients for thromboembolic complications.
Dipyridamole is well tolerated but does cause side effects. The majority are harmless, although on rare occasions a serious severe reaction will occur.
Common Side Effects
Headache: The most common of the side effects, typically mild and transient.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Especially on getting up to an upright position from one lying down.
Flushing: Some patients can have a feeling of warmth or flushing of the skin.
Abdominal Pain: Some patients can experience pain or discomfort in their stomach.
Severe Side Effects:
Bleeding: Since Dipyridamole inhibits clotting, it can cause excessive bleeding. Check for sudden bruising, nosebleed, or hematuria or melena.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people are allergic to Dipyridamole, resulting in rash, swelling, or shortness of breath.
Low Blood Pressure: Dipyridamole hardly lowers blood pressure levels, resulting in dizziness or fainting in the patient.
In case of any serious side effects, particularly abnormal bleeding, or signs of allergic reaction, report to medical staff immediately.
Dipyridamole comes only on prescription. The reason is that it is strictly supervised, especially if given with other drugs that affect clotting.
Note: Always consult your physician before taking or stopping the drug, especially if you have other medications or underlying illnesses.