Cilostazol

How does Cilostazol work?

Cilostazol 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. Cilostazol 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).

Is Cilostazol effective?

Cilostazol is a medicine that helps people with intermittent claudication, a condition that causes pain in the legs when walking. In studies, people who took cilostazol 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 cilostazol 100 mg twice a day increased their walking distance by up to 100% compared to before they started taking the medicine.

What is Cilostazol?

Cilostazol 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 cilostazol tablets include headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, sore throat, infection, swelling in the hands or feet, runny nose, indigestion, and abdominal pain.

For how long do I take Cilostazol?

The typical duration of use for Cilostazol 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 Cilostazol as directed by their healthcare provider while monitoring for efficacy and side effects.

How do I dispose of Cilostazol?

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.

How do I take Cilostazol?

Take your cilostazol 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.

How long does it take for Cilostazol 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.

How should I store Cilostazol?

Keep cilostazol 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.

What is the usual dose of Cilostazol?

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.

Can Cilostazol be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Cilostazol, 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 cilostazol. Discuss with your doctor to determine the best option for your specific situation.

Can Cilostazol be taken safely while pregnant?

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

Can I take Cilostazol with other prescription drugs?

Cilostazol 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.

Does Cilostazol 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.

Does Cilostazol 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 Cilostazol 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.

Is Cilostazol 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.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Cilostazol?

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 exercise while taking Cilostazol?

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.

Is it safe to stop Cilostazol?

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.

What are the most common side effects of Cilostazol?

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.

Who should avoid taking Cilostazol?

Cilostazol 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.