What Is the Benefit of Dipyridamole?
Dipyridamole interferes with platelet function by in-creasing the cellular concentration of cyclic AMP and GMP, therefore blocking the cytoplasm Ca2+ fluxes and subsequent platelet release reaction. This effect is mediated by inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and by blockade of uptake of adenoside, which acts at AZ receptors for adenosine lo stimulate platelet adenylyl-cyclase. It is effective at dose of 200^00 nig/day. The results of the ESPS-2 (Second European Stroke Prevention Study) provided clear evidence that both low-dose aspirin (50 mg daily) and dipyridamole (200 mg twice daily), used alone, provide equal protection against stroke recurrence. However, greater benefit is obtained when the two antiplatelet agents are combined, as their effects are additive. Importantly, the results of the ESPS-2 clearly show that, when used individually, both aspirin and dipyridamole have clinically significant benefits in pre-venting stroke recurrence. The factorial analysis inv
