Final answer:
Dipyridamole works as an antiplatelet drug by inhibiting adenosine uptake and phosphodiesterase activity, leading to coronary vasodilation, increased cAMP levels, and inhibited platelet aggregation, thereby exerting its antithrombotic effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication often used in conjunction with other drugs like aspirin to prevent blood clots. Its mechanism of action includes vasodilation, an increase in glomerular filtration rate, and a decrease in sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. More specifically, dipyridamole inhibits the uptake of adenosine into platelets, endothelial cells, and erythrocytes, resulting in increased local adenosine levels that can lead to coronary vasodilation and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Dipyridamole also inhibits the activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, leading to an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) within platelets and subsequent inhibition of platelet function, which enhances its antithrombotic effects.