CILOSTAZOL - ORAL (Pletal) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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CILOSTAZOL-ORAL Index

cilostazol - oral, Pletal

GENERIC NAME: CILOSTAZOL - ORAL (sill-OSS-tuh-zole)

BRAND NAME(S): Pletal

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 improve the symptoms of a certain blood flow problem in the legs (intermittent claudication). Cilostazol can decrease the muscle pain/cramps that occur during exercise/walking. Claudication pain is caused by too little oxygen getting to the muscles. Cilostazol can increase blood flow and the amount of oxygen that gets to the muscles.Cilostazol is an "anti-platelet" and a vasodilator. It works by preventing certain blood cells (platelets) from sticking together and by widening blood vessels in the legs. This helps the blood to move more easily and increases blood flow.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking cilostazol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily without food, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day.Your symptoms may improve in 2-4 weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks to notice a benefit from this drug.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.