cilarite (CILOSTAZOL)

What is Cilarite?

Cilarite tablets are a medication prescribed to help people with intermittent claudication, a condition that causes pain in the legs when walking. It works by preventing a particular protein from working, which helps increase walking distance. Some common side effects of Cilarite tablets include headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, sore throat, infection, swelling in the hands or feet, runny nose, indigestion, and abdominal pain.

What is the usual dose of Cilarite?

The usual starting dose for adults is typically 50 mg once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerance. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg per day. For secondary indications, such as heart failure, the dosing may differ and should be determined by a healthcare provider. For special populations like children or the elderly, dose adjustments may be necessary, often starting at a lower dose. It's crucial to follow a healthcare provider's instructions for dosing to ensure safety and effectiveness.

How do I take Cilarite?

Take your Cilarite tablets exactly as your doctor tells you. Your doctor will tell you how much to take and when. Your doctor may change your dose if needed. Take your tablets 30 minutes before you eat or 2 hours after you eat.

For how long do I take Cilarite?

The typical duration of use for Cilarite depends on the condition being treated:

• Intermittent Claudication: Patients may start experiencing improvement in symptoms (e.g., increased walking distance) within 2 to 4 weeks. However, a trial period of up to 12 weeks is recommended to assess the full therapeutic effect. If no improvement is seen after 3 months, discontinuation of the medication is advised​.

For long-term use, patients should continue taking Cilarite as directed by their healthcare provider while monitoring for efficacy and side effects.

What disease or symptom is Cilarite used for?

Cilarite is a medication that helps people with intermittent claudication walk farther without pain. Intermittent claudication is a condition that causes pain in the legs when walking due to poor blood flow. Cilarite works by improving blood flow to the legs, which reduces pain and allows people to walk farther.

How long does it take for Cilarite to start working?

You may notice improvement in your symptoms within 2 weeks, but it could take up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit.

Is Cilarite effective?

Cilarite is a medicine that helps people with intermittent claudication, a condition that causes pain in the legs when walking. In studies, people who took Cilarite either 100 mg or 50 mg twice a day walked further and faster than people who took a placebo (sugar pill). The improvement was noticeable within the first few weeks of taking the medicine. In some studies, people who took Cilarite 100 mg twice a day increased their walking distance by up to 100% compared to before they started taking the medicine.

How do I know if Cilarite is working?

You’ll know Cilarite is working if you experience improved walking distance and reduced leg pain associated with intermittent claudication. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice initial improvements, with maximum benefits typically seen after 12 weeks of consistent use. Regular follow-ups with your doctor can help assess progress and make adjustments if needed.

How does Cilarite work?

Cilarite is a medication that works by increasing the level of a chemical called cAMP in the body. cAMP helps to prevent blood clots from forming by stopping platelets from sticking together. It also helps to relax blood vessels, which can improve blood flow. Cilarite is used to treat people who have problems with blood circulation, such as claudication (leg pain caused by poor blood flow) and Raynaud's disease (a condition that causes the fingers and toes to turn white and cold).

Who should avoid taking Cilarite?

Cilarite can cause serious health problems, such as heart issues and allergic reactions. Do not take it if you have heart failure. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience hives, swelling of your face, mouth, or tongue, trouble breathing, dizziness, or changes in your blood cell counts.

Can I take Cilarite with other prescription drugs?

Cilarite may interact with blood thinners, antiplatelets, antibiotics, and drugs affecting CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 enzymes (e.g., omeprazole, diltiazem). Inform your doctor about all medications to ensure safe use.

Can Cilarite be taken safely while pregnant?

It is not known if Cilarite tablets can harm an unborn baby or if it passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about whether to use Cilarite tablets or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Can Cilarite be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Cilarite, a medication used to treat certain blood flow problems, can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Therefore, you should either stop nursing or stop taking Cilarite. Discuss with your doctor to determine the best option for your specific situation.

Is Cilarite safe for the elderly?

In general, people of all ages can use this medication safely and effectively. However, some older people may be more sensitive to it, so it's important to monitor them closely. The way the body absorbs, distributes, breaks down, and gets rid of the medication doesn't change with age.

How should I store Cilarite?

Keep Cilarite tablets in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Make sure it's between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep all medicines away from children.

Does Cilarite make people tired or drowsy?

Cilarite can cause dizziness (10%) and fatigue (<2%). If these occur, patients should avoid activities requiring alertness and consult their doctor for advice on managing these side effects​.

Does Cilarite cause stomach upset?

Cilarite frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea (19%), abnormal stools (15%), and dyspepsia (6%). These occur in more than 1 in 10 patients. If symptoms persist, patients should inform their doctor to consider dose adjustment or alternative treatment​

Does Cilarite affect sleep?

Insomnia has been reported but occurs in less than 2% of patients. Patients experiencing significant sleep disturbances should consult their healthcare provider for evaluation and possible treatment modifications

Does Cilarite make it hard to think or concentrate?

Dizziness (10%) and headaches (34%) may interfere with cognitive functions. Patients experiencing difficulty concentrating should avoid mentally demanding tasks and discuss these effects with their doctor​.

Does Cilarite affect mood?

While no direct mood effects are noted, dizziness and fatigue could indirectly affect emotional well-being. Patients with mood concerns should seek medical advice.

Does Cilarite interfere with sexual function?

Sexual dysfunction is not a commonly reported side effect of Cilarite. Patients should discuss any related issues with their doctor for proper evaluation

Does Cilarite affect appetite?

Anorexia (loss of appetite) has been reported in less than 2% of cases. Patients experiencing significant appetite changes should notify their doctor​.

Does Cilarite cause weight gain?

Weight changes are not commonly associated with Cilarite. Patients should monitor their weight and consult their doctor if significant changes occur​.

Does Cilarite cause headaches?

Cilarite is a medication that can cause headaches. It's more likely to happen in people taking 100 mg of the medication twice a day. About 3 out of 10 people experience headaches with this dosage. If you get a headache while taking Cilarite, talk to your doctor.

Does Cilarite limit driving?

Dizziness (10%) and fatigue may impair driving. Patients are advised to avoid driving until they are familiar with how the medicine affects them and consult their doctor if symptoms interfere with their daily activities​.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Cilarite?

Most people tolerate this medicine well, and occasional alcoholic drinks should not affect the way this medicine works. There are no well-established interactions between this medicine and alcohol. Therefore, moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe while taking this medicine. However, it's always a good idea to be cautious and monitor how your body reacts. If you notice any unusual symptoms or feel unwell, it might be best to avoid alcohol. As a general rule, try to limit your alcohol intake to one or two drinks on occasion to minimize any potential risks. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Cilarite?

Most people tolerate this medicine well and it should not limit your ability to drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Cilarite?

To determine if it's safe to exercise while taking this medicine, we first need to check if it causes symptoms that might limit your ability to exercise. Some medicines can cause dizziness, fatigue, or muscle weakness, which might affect your physical strength or endurance. If this medicine typically limits exercise, it’s important to know. During physical activity, watch for symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual tiredness. If these occur, take precautions. If the medicine does limit exercise, consider modifying your routine by avoiding strenuous activities or high-impact sports. If there’s no specific information about this medicine affecting exercise, most people tolerate it well, and it should not limit your ability to exercise. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What are the most common side effects of Cilarite?

A side effect is an unwanted symptom caused by medical treatment. For this medicine, common side effects might include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded, headache, which is pain in your head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is when your mouth feels unusually dry. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally not experienced by everyone. It's important to remember that when starting a new medicine, you might notice new symptoms. These could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can help you understand the risks and benefits.

Does Cilarite have adverse effects?

Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful effects caused by a medicine, can vary in severity. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can occur in some people, but not everyone will experience them. Serious adverse effects, although rare, may include severe allergic reactions, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These require immediate medical attention. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without consulting them, as they can provide guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment.

Is Cilarite addictive?

To determine if a medicine is addictive, we first need to know its name. If the medicine has habit-forming potential, it means it can cause dependence, which refers to a condition where the body or mind feels a need for the drug. This can happen because the medicine affects brain chemicals that control mood or pain. Warning signs of dependence include needing more of the medicine to feel the same effect, using it more often than prescribed, or feeling anxious without it. To prevent addiction, follow the doctor's instructions carefully, do not increase the dose on your own, and talk to your doctor if you feel you need more of the medicine. If the medicine has no known potential for dependence or addiction, it means it does not cause these issues, and you can use it as prescribed without worry.

Does Cilarite have any safety warnings?

This medicine does have safety warnings. One key warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which can occur if you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other component of the medicine. An allergic reaction can cause symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Another warning is the potential for liver damage, which can happen if the medicine is taken in high doses or for a long time. Symptoms to watch for include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain. If you experience these, contact your doctor right away. Lastly, this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

Is it safe to stop Cilarite?

To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension, stopping it might lead to uncontrolled symptoms or complications. For medicines providing symptomatic relief, stopping might cause symptoms to return. If it's for a temporary condition like an infection, stopping early might lead to incomplete treatment and resistance. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, where symptoms return worse than before. Abruptly stopping certain medicines can be life-threatening, especially those affecting the heart or brain. Always consult a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's safe and to discuss a proper plan if discontinuation is necessary.

How do I dispose of Cilarite?

If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.

What are Cilarite possible harms and risks?

Cilarite is a medication used to improve blood flow to the legs and arms. It can cause side effects such as headache, loose stools, and diarrhea. In some cases, side effects can be severe enough to stop taking the medication. Cilarite prevents blood cells from sticking together, which helps to improve blood flow.