Dipyridamole: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear dipyridamole, a medication that stops blood clots from forming by making platelets less sticky. Also known as Persantine, it’s not a flashy drug, but it’s been keeping hearts and brains safe for decades. You won’t find it on every pharmacy shelf, but if you’ve had a heart valve replacement, a stroke, or are at high risk for either, your doctor might have slipped it into your routine—often with aspirin.

Dipyridamole doesn’t thin your blood like warfarin or heparin. Instead, it targets your platelets, the tiny cells that clump together to form clots. When platelets stick too much, they can block arteries leading to your heart or brain. That’s where dipyridamole steps in. It blocks a chemical called phosphodiesterase, which keeps platelets calm. Think of it like putting a brake on your blood’s natural urge to clot. It’s often paired with aspirin, a common antiplatelet that works differently by blocking a different pathway in platelets because together, they cover more ground. Studies show this combo reduces stroke risk better than either drug alone, especially after a mini-stroke or TIA.

It’s also used after heart valve surgery, particularly mechanical valves, where clots can form on the metal surfaces and lead to life-threatening events. In those cases, dipyridamole helps prevent the valve from becoming a clot factory. You might not realize it, but your body is constantly trying to clot—sometimes at the wrong time. Dipyridamole helps keep that system in check without turning your blood into water.

Some people get headaches or dizziness on dipyridamole, especially at first. That’s because it also relaxes blood vessels, which can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. It’s not dangerous for most, but if you’re on other meds for blood pressure or heart conditions, your doctor needs to know. You’ll also find it in stress tests—yes, the kind where you walk on a treadmill while your heart is monitored. Dipyridamole tricks your heart into acting like it’s under stress, so doctors can spot blocked arteries without you having to run.

The posts below cover how dipyridamole fits into the bigger picture of heart and vascular health. You’ll find comparisons with other antiplatelet drugs, real-world advice on managing side effects, and how it stacks up against newer options. Some posts dig into drug interactions—like what happens when you mix it with NSAIDs or antacids. Others look at long-term use, why some patients switch, and how to tell if it’s still working for you. Whether you’re taking it now, considering it, or just curious why your doctor chose it over something else, this collection gives you the straight talk you need.