Cilostazol

Brand names: Pletal

Why is Cilostazol prescribed?

Pletal helps relieve the painful leg cramps caused by "intermittent claudication," a condition that results when arteries clogged with fatty plaque are unable to deliver an adequate blood supply to the muscles of the legs. Pletal helps the blood get through by dilating the blood vessels and preventing blood cells from clumping together.

Most important fact about Cilostazol

Although Pletal sometimes provides relief within the first 2 to 4 weeks, it may take up to 12 weeks for leg cramps to subside.

How should you take Cilostazol?

Pletal is taken twice a day, at least half an hour before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

Cilostazol side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Pletal.

• Side effects may include:Abdominal pain, abnormal stools, arthritis, back pain, blood in urine, blood clots, bronchitis, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, gas, headache, high blood pressure, hot flashes, indigestion, infections, jaundice, muscle aches, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash, runny nose, sensitive skin, skin tingling or burning, sore throat, swelling, urinary tract infections, vomiting, weakness

Why should Cilostazol not be prescribed?

If you suffer from congestive heart failure, a bleeding peptic ulcer, or bleeding in the brain, you should not take Pletal. You should also avoid taking the drug if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Cilostazol

Except in people with a weak heart or liver or kidney disease, Pletal appears to pose no dangers. Its long-term effects are, however, still unknown.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Cilostazol

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Pletal. The juice can cause an unwanted increase in the drug's effects.

If Pletal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Pletal with the following:Antifungal drugs such as Diflucan, Monistat, Nizoral, and SporanoxAntiplatelet agents such as clopidogrel (Plavix)AspirinErythromycin antibiotics such as Ery-Tab and ErycFluoxetine (Prozac)FluvoxamineDiltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)Lovastatin (Mevacor)Nefazodone (Serzone)Omeprazole (Prilosec)Sertraline (Zoloft)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The possibility of harm from Pletal during pregnancy has not been ruled out. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Pletal may appear in breast milk, and could affect a nursing infant. You should discontinue Pletal if you choose to breastfeed.

Recommended dosage for Cilostazol

ADULTS

The recommended dose is 100 milligrams twice a day. The doctor may reduce the dose to 50 milligrams twice daily if you are taking a drug with which Pletal may interact.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Pletal overdose may include:Diarrhea, low blood pressure, rapid and possibly irregular heartbeat, severe headache