Cilostazol is primarily used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication (pain, cramping, numbness and weakness in the legs).
What is Cilostazol?
Cilostazol works by dilating the blood vessels, thus triggering an increase in blood flow.
How should Cilostazol be taken?
Cilostazol is administered orally.
Side effects associated with Cilostazol
In rare cases, cilostazol can reduce the levels of platelets in the blood or the body's ability to fight infections.
Among the other possible side effects of cilostazol include the following:
- Feces abnormalities
- Back ache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Throat irritation
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Pain in the chest, jaw or left arm
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or feeling faint or lightheaded
- Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- Bleeding
- Symptoms of ongoing infections
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Cilostazol
Cilostazol is contraindicated in case of heart failure, bleeding or severe blood clotting. During treatment with this medication, it is advised not to eat grapefruit or drink its juice.
Before starting treatment with cilostazol, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to any other drugs, foods or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: clarithromycin, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluoxetine, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nelfinavir, omeprazole, ritonavir, telithromycin or ticlopidine
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver problems, kidney or heart problems, low platelets in the blood or bleeding
- You have recently undergone surgery
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with cilostazol.
It may take several weeks to see cilostazol’s full effects. The intake of the drug, however, must not be suspended without permission from your doctor.
