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Cilostazol (Systemic)

Contents of this page:

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.--


Category


Description

Cilostazol (sil-OS-tah-zol) improves the flow of blood through blood vessels. It is used to reduce leg pain caused by poor circulation (intermittent claudication). Cilostazol makes it possible to walk farther before having to rest because of leg cramps.

Cilostazol works by keeping bloods from clotting and dilating, or relaxing, the blood vessels.

Cilostazol is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):


Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cilostazol, the following should be considered:

Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cilostazol. Also tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy--Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. Studies in rats and rabbits have shown that cilostazol may cause some birth defects. Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before taking this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while receiving cilostazol.

Breast-feeding--It is not known whether cilostazol pass into breast milk. However, because this medicine may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are receiving it.

Children--There is not specific information comparing the use of cilostazol in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults--This medicine has been tested in a limited number of patients and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking cilostazol, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of cilostazol. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

Dosing--The dose of cilostazol will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes on the average doses of cilostazol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage--To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. If you fell that cilostazol is not working, do not stop taking it on your own. Instead, check with your doctor.

Smoking tobacco may worsen your condition since nicotine may further narrow blood vessels and may also affect how this medicine works. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur :

Less common

Abnormal bleeding; bloody or black tarry stools; bloody mucus; bruises and/or red spots on the skin; fainting; headache; nausea, heartburn, and/or indigestion (severe or continuing); runny or stuffy nose; stiff neck; stomach pain, cramping, burning (severe); vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; swelling of the tongue; unexplained nose bleeds

Symptoms of Overdose

Diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness; headache; nausea or vomiting; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Back pain; gas; increased cough; pain or stiffness in muscles or joints; pounding heartbeat; swelling of arms or legs

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.


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Last updated: 24 January 2001