Dipyridamole inhibits adenosine uptake by the vascular endothelium.
The biological half life is 90-135 minutes
(c.f. adenosine 10 seconds).
The peak effect is 2 minutes after a 4 minute infusion.
The effect lasts 10-20 minutes following the infusion but side effects can occur after this due to its long half-life.
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Contraindications
Contraindications (as for adenosine)
Protocol
- 140mg/kg/min over 4 minutes
- Tracer injected 3-5 min after end of infusion
Side effects
- 50% of patients develop side effects which may last longer than with adenosine
- Aminophylline may be required to treat some of the side effects especially wheezing
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