Cilostazol is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). Cilostazol dilates arteries that supply blood to your legs. Cilostazol also improves circulation by keeping platelets in the blood from sticking together and clotting.
Cilostazol is used to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition causes reduced blood flow to the legs, leading to pain while walking. Cilostazol improves your ability to walk longer distances without pain.
Cilostazol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Do not take cilostazol if you have heart failure of any kind.
You should not take cilostazol if you have heart failure of any kind. Cilostazol can make this condition worse.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
bleeding problems;
liver or kidney disease;
a heart attack or stroke; or
if you smoke.
It is not known whether cilostazol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using cilostazol.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Cilostazol is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast or dinner.
Take the medicine at the same time each day.
It may take up to 12 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 months of treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Grapefruit may interact with cilostazol and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores; or
easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin.
Common side effects may include:
diarrhea, abnormal bowel movements;
headache; or
fast or pounding heartbeats.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Intermittent Claudication:
100 mg orally twice a day at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner
Comments:
-Patients may respond as early as 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of therapy, but treatment for up to 12 weeks may be required before a beneficial effect is experienced.
-If symptoms remain unimproved after 3 months, discontinue this drug.
Use: Reduction of symptoms of intermittent claudication, as demonstrated by an increased walking distance.
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Many drugs can affect cilostazol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.