Dipyridamole (Persantine)

[NYCRN6]

I am looking up medication classifications and as I come across Dipyridamole (Persantine) its classification is Antiplatelet. I thought it was used for a stress test. How are these two related? The MOA "Exact mechanism unknown inhibits platelet adhesion; dilates coronary arteries".

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Hello BostonNurse:

Yes, you are correct. Persantine or Dipyridamole inhibits thrombin formation when given long term and causes vasodilation when given in high doses for the short-term.

1) Used to lower pulmonary HTN without big drop in SBP

2) inhibits formation pro-inflammatory cytokins

3) increases release of t-PA from the brain's microvascular endothelial cells

4) increases myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy

5) used for patients with brain attack/stroke to inhibit plt aggregation or clumping (see # 2)

athena

[NYCRN6]

Where did you get this information OR is this what you already know in your 33 years of working :)

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Boston:

Gosh, I wish I could say detailed information like that I gathered from my years as an RN. Waaay back in the day when my hospital first starting doing fem-pop bypass or fem-fem bypass this was the drug of choice (mid-70's)

--> Studying for the CCRN, attending the Army critical care 8A nurse course .