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Stroke and transient ischaemic attack - Management
What drug interactions should I be aware of with dipyridamole?

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors:
    • Dipyridamole may counteract the anticholinesterase effect of cholinesterase inhibitors, thereby potentially aggravating myasthenia gravis.
    • Evidence is sparse. However, dipyridamole should be used with caution in people with myasthenia gravis, as there is a case report of dipyridamole increasing myasthenic symptoms [Baxter, 2008].
  • Antihypertensive drugs:
    • Because of its vasodilating activity, the manufacturer of dipyridamole (Persantin Retard®) warns that the drug may increase the hypotensive effect of antihypertensive drugs.
  • Dipyridamole does not appear to interact with warfarin:
    • The manufacturer of Persantin Retard® reported that bleeding was no greater in frequency or severity than that observed when warfarin was administered alone.

[ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2007b]

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