GENERIC NAME: CILOSTAZOL - ORAL (sill-OSS-tuh-zole)
BRAND NAME(S): Pletal
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Medications similar to cilostazol have shortened the lives of people with a certain type of heart disease (congestive heart failure). Therefore, do not use cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure.
USES: Cilostazol is used to reduce leg pain when walking and limping caused by blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). This medication helps to increase your walking distance by improving blood and oxygen flow in the legs. It works by widening blood vessels in the legs and by blocking certain blood cells called platelets to prevent them from forming harmful blood clots.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used after certain types of heart procedures to prevent blood vessels from narrowing and harmful blood clots.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Your symptoms may improve in 2-4 weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks to notice a benefit from this drug. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, and dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling of the hands/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, vision changes, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion, chest pain, yellowing of the eyes/skin, easy bruising/bleeding, black or bloody stools, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), cough with trouble breathing. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- pentoxifylline, Trental - Information on the drug pentoxifylline (Trental) prescribed for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD, PVD, peripheral vascular disease).
- Peripheral Vascular Disease - Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. PVD is sometimes referred to as peripheral artery disease. Symptoms include intermittent claudication, rest pain, numbness in the extremities and more.
- Claudication - Read about claudication, cramping in the lower leg while walking or exercising caused by blocked arteries in the leg. Treatment options are discussed in the information.
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