A LONGITUDINAL EVALUATION OF DIPYRIDAMOLE DRUG-USE IN AN AMBULATORY ELDERLY POPULATION

Study objective: To determine the pattern of dipyridamole use over the past 14 years, Design: A longitudinal health screening program of amb ulatory elderly participants was used to study changes in dipyridamole drug use. Participants included all subjects screened in the Florida Geriatric Research Program since 1978, The main outcome measure in thi s study was self-reported dipyridamole use at every visit to the progr am since August 1, 1978. Results: A total of 3.6% of men (mean age, 82 .6 years) and 3.4% of women (mean age, 80.8 years) reported the use of dipyridamole in the 1991-1992 period. The prevalence of dipyridamole use ranged from a low of 1.6% in 1978-1979 to a high of 7.3% in 1986-1 987. There was a significant increase in the use of this drug from 197 8-1979 to 1991-1992 (p<0.038). Over the 14-year period of study, the p ercent of subjects using dipyridamole concurrently with coumarin antic oagulants ranged from a low of 5.8% to a high of 17.9%. Conclusions: T he level of dipyridamole use in this elderly population has increased since 1978-1979, The only FDA indication for this drug is in combinati on with coumarin anticoagulants to prevent postoperative thromboemboli c complications of cardiac valve replacement, Less than 20% of patient s in this study used the drug in combination with coumarin anticoagula nts. Educational programs are needed to improve the prescribing of dip yridamole.