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Cilostazol tablets

Cilostazol treats the symptoms of intermittent claudication like leg pain when walking. Intermittent claudication causes muscle pain when you’re active but the pain stops when you’re at rest. This medication works by improving your blood flow, which can help you walk longer distances without pain. The brand name of this medication is Pletal®.

What is this medication?

CILOSTAZOL (sil OH sta zol) is used to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition causes pain in the legs during walking, and goes away with rest. By improving blood flow, this medicine helps people with this condition walk longer distances without pain.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pletal

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Bleeding disorder or hemophilia
  • History of heart failure, heart attack, or other heart disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to cilostazol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day.

Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Grapefruit juice

This medication may also interact with the following:

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  • Agents that prevent or treat blood clots, such as enoxaparin or warfarin
  • Aspirin
  • Diltiazem
  • Erythromycin or clarithromycin
  • Omeprazole
  • Some medications for treating depression, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone
  • Some medications for treating fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for your condition to start to get better once you begin taking this medication. In some people, it can take as long as 3 months for the condition to get better.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

If you smoke, tell your care team if you notice this medication is not working well for you. Talk to your care team if you decide to stop smoking.

If you are going to need surgery, an MRI, CT, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication. You may need to stop taking this medication before the procedure.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • chest pain
  • fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
  • signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
  • swelling in the legs or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • nausea, or upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).

Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

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To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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