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).

How does one know if Cilostazol is working?

You’ll know cilostazol 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.

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.

What is Cilostazol used for?

Cilostazol 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. Cilostazol works by improving blood flow to the legs, which reduces pain and allows people to walk farther.

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 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.

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.

Can I take Cilostazol with vitamins or supplements?

Cilostazol can generally be taken with vitamins or supplements, but some may interact with its effectiveness or increase side effects. For example, grapefruit or supplements affecting blood thinning (like vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, or omega-3 fatty acids) could increase the risk of bleeding. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your regimen.

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.

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.