What is Cilostazol?
Cilostazol, a vasodilator, works by relaxing muscles in blood vessels. This helps them dilate. Cilostazol widens the arteries, supplying blood to your legs. Cilostazol improves circulation as it prevents platelets from clumping together. Cilostazol can help relieve symptoms associated with intermittent claudication. This condition leads to reduced blood flow in the legs and pain when walking. Cilostazol increases your ability to walk for longer distances with less pain. Cilostazol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cilostazol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Cilostazol may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain can be caused by a pounding heartbeat or fluttering of the chest.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Fever; sore mouth;
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
Cilostazol can cause a variety of side effects.
- Diarrhoea, abnormal bowel movements;
- Headache
- Fast or pounding pulses.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for more information or assistance in reporting adverse reactions call the FDA directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Pentoxifylline, Pletal, Trental, and Pentoxil
Warnings
If you suffer from heart failure or any other type of heart failure, do not take cilostazol.
Before you take this drug
If you suffer from heart failure, you should avoid taking cilostazol. Cilostazol may worsen this condition.
Notify your doctor of any of the following issues:
- Bleeding problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- A heart attack or stroke
- If you smoke.
Unknown is whether cilostazol can harm an unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking cilostazol.
How to take Cilostazol medication?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Cilostazol should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to or two hours after eating breakfast or dinner. Take your medicine every day at the same time. Your symptoms may improve after up to 12 weeks. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms after three months. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for intermittent claudication:
Orally, take 100 mg twice daily at least 30 minutes prior to or 2 hours following breakfast and dinner.
Comments:
Patients may show a positive response as soon as two to four weeks after the start of treatment, but it may take up to twelve weeks to see a benefit.
If symptoms do not improve after 3 months of treatment, stop taking this medication.
Use: increased walking distance, demonstrating a reduction in symptoms of intermittent claudication.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Grapefruit can interact with cilostazol, causing unwanted side effects. Avoid grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drug
Sometimes taking different medications together may not be safe or effective; certain drugs could interfere with each other and alter blood levels thereby increasing side effects or making them less effective. Cilostazol can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not cover every possible interaction. Always inform your physician of all medications you currently take as well as those you will stop or begin using in the near future.
