Dipyridamole

DIPYRIDAMOLE (2,6-bis-diethanolamino-4,8-dipiperidinopyrimido-(5,4-d)-pyrimidine) is a pyrimidopyrimidine derivative that is among the 50 most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.1 This review will focus on the mechanisms of action of dipyridamole and the rationale provided by clinical trials of its pharmacology for its use as an orally administered antiplatelet drug in humans.Mechanism of Action as an Antithrombotic DrugThe mechanism of action of dipyridamole as an antithrombotic drug in vivo has been a subject of controversy. Indeed, in experimental models in which the drug has been shown to prevent thrombosis, it is possible that factors other than platelet . . .