Cilostazol (By mouth)
sye-LOE-sta-zol
Treats intermittent claudication (a problem with blood flow in the legs) by helping you walk longer distances with less pain.
Drug classes
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cilostazol improves the flow of blood through blood vessels. It is used to reduce leg pain caused by poor circulation (intermittent claudication). Cilostazol makes it possible to walk farther before having to rest because of leg pain. This medicine works by keeping blood from clotting and by dilating or relaxing the blood vessels.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
Your leg pain may not get better right away. It may take 2 weeks or more before you have improvement and up to 12 weeks for the full effect.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how cilostazol works. Tell your doctor if you are using diltiazem, ticlopidine, fluconazole, omeprazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, nelfinavir, indinavir, or ritonavir.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cilostazol or if you have heart failure.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, blood clotting problems, angina, or heart disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Decrease in number of blood cells, which may lead to bleeding or infections Heart rhythm problems Low blood pressureYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Stuffy or runny nose
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Pletal
There may be other brand names for this medicine.