What is cilostazol?
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.
Important Information
Do not take cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure. Cilostazol can make this condition worse.
To make sure cilostazol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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liver or kidney disease;
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heart disease; or
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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.
It is not known whether cilostazol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take cilostazol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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 4 weeks of treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking cilostazol?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with cilostazol and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
Cilostazol side effects
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:
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chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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bloody urine, painful urination;
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shortness of breath, even with mild exertion; or
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swelling of your ankles or feet.
Common side effects may include:
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.
Cilostazol dosing information
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.
What other drugs will affect cilostazol?
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 interact with cilostazol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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