Title:Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Dipyridamole in COVID-19 Patients
Volume: 27
Issue: 6
Author(s): Kholoud F. Aliter and Rami A. Al-Horani*
Affiliation:
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125,United States
Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, dipyridamole, coagulopathy, cytokine storm, pharmacokinetics profile.
Abstract:
Background: COVID-19 pandemic is caused by coronavirus also known as severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The viral infection continues to impact the globe with no vaccine to
prevent the infection or highly effective therapeutics to treat the millions of infected people around the world.
The disease starts as a respiratory infection, yet it may also be associated with a hypercoagulable state, severe
inflammation owing to excessive cytokines production, and a potentially significant oxidative stress. The disease
may progress to multiorgan failure and eventually death.
Objective: In this article, we summarize the potential of dipyridamole as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19.
Methods: We reviewed the literature describing the biological activities of dipyridamole in various settings of
testing. Data were retrieved from PubMed, SciFinder-CAS, and Web of Science. The review concisely covered
relevant studies starting from 1977.
Results: Dipyridamole is an approved antiplatelet drug, that has been used to prevent stroke, among other indications.
Besides its antithrombotic activity, the literature indicates that dipyridamole also promotes a host of
other biological activities including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant ones.
Conclusion: Dipyridamole may substantially help improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 treatment. The
pharmacokinetics profile of the drug is well established which makes it easier to design an appropriate therapeutic
course. The drug is also generally safe, affordable, and available worldwide. Initial clinical trials have
shown a substantial promise for dipyridamole in treating critically ill COVID-19 patients, yet larger randomized
and controlled trials are needed to confirm this promise.