Drug Interaction Report

Cilostazol and Dipyridamole: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Cilostazol and Dipyridamole interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Cilostazol

Pletal®
+

Dipyridamole

Permole® Persantine®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 78 documented Cilostazol interactions, 65 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

An increased risk of bleeding

Interaction Deep Dive

Additive antiplatelet effects may occur with coadministration of cilostazol and other antiplatelet agents1; close monitoring for bleeding may be warranted if concomitant use is required.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive effects

Common questions

Can I take Cilostazol and Dipyridamole together?

An increased risk of bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Cilostazol and Dipyridamole interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Cilostazol or Dipyridamole need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (1)

  1. Product Information: PLETAL(R) oral tablets, cilostazol oral tablets. Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (per FDA), Rockville, MD, 2015. DailyMed
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Cilostazol

Keep reading about Cilostazol

All Cilostazol interactions (78) Cilostazol drug information
Also serious with: Defibrotide Injection Abrocitinib Meloxicam Injection Miconazole Vaginal
Dipyridamole

Keep reading about Dipyridamole

All Dipyridamole interactions (191) Dipyridamole drug information
Also serious with: Abrocitinib Defibrotide Defibrotide Injection Riociguat
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Cilostazol + Activated Charcoal Danshen Grapefruit Piracetam St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Aconite Adrafinil + 278 more
Dipyridamole + Activated Charcoal Adenosine Danshen Piracetam Aconite Allspice Aloe Alpha-lipoic Acid + 211 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.