Cilostazol (By Mouth)

Cilostazol (sil-OH-sta-zol)

Treats a circulation problem in which too little blood flows into your leg muscles (intermittent claudication). Helps you walk longer distances with less pain.

Brand Name(s):

Pletal
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cilostazol. You should not use this medicine if you have heart failure.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• You may be told to take a dose of the medicine two times each day, at least one-half hour before or two hours after breakfast and dinner.
• Your leg pain may not get better right away. Some patients may need to use this medicine for 2 to 4 weeks before it starts to help. Others may need to use the medicine for 12 weeks before their leg pain is better.

If a dose is missed:

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any antibiotics or antifungal medicines, such as erythromycin (EES®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), azithromycin (Zithromax®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanax®) or if you are using diltiazem (Cardizem®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), nefazodone (Serzone®), sertraline (Zoloft®), or omeprazole (Prilosec®). Your doctor may need to change your dose of cilostazol if you are also using these medicines.
• Other medicines may also change the way cilastazol works. Give your doctor a list of all the medicines you use.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have heart or kidney disease.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or pouding heartbeat
• Feeling short of breath and swelling in your hands or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Diarrhea or other changes in your bowel movements
• Feeling dizzy

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.