Cilostazole
About Cilostazole
Cilostazole is primarily used to treat pain in the legs due to insufficient blood flow (intermittent claudication). It is recommended in patients whose pain has not improved even after lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and doing regular exercise.
Cilostazole contains Cilostazole, which works by widening the blood vessels and reducing the blood clotting time, thereby decreasing stickiness in blood vessels. Hence, it increases the blood supply to the limbs.
In some cases, you may experience headaches, ankle swelling, diarrhoea, abnormal stools, vomiting, and nausea. Most of these side effects of Cilostazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Inform your doctor before starting Cilostazole if you are allergic to Cilostazole or if you have any kidney or liver disease, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Also, lifestyle changes should be continued with Cilostazole for the best results.
Uses of Cilostazole
Medicinal Benefits
- Cilostazole contains Cilostazole, which is a vasodilator that works by widening the blood vessels and reducing the blood clotting time, thereby decreasing stickiness in blood vessels. Hence, it increases the blood supply to the limbs.
- It can also increase the distance you can walk without pain since it improves your legs' blood circulation.
- It also reduces cramping, numbness or weakness in the legs on walking in such patients.
- It is recommended for patients whose pain has not improved even after lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and doing regular exercise.
Directions for Use
- Take Cilostazole on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, or as advised by your doctor.
- It is advised to take Cilostazole once daily; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow Cilostazole as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Cilostazole
- Headaches
- Ankle swelling
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal stools
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Drug Warnings
- Cilostazole should not be given to people who are allergic to Cilostazole, have low blood pressure (less than 90 mmHg), have had a heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant women or women planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Do not take Cilostazole with grapefruit juice or St John's wort plant, as it might affect the absorption of Cilostazole.
- Tell your doctor that you are using Cilostazole before undergoing any dental or other surgery.
- Your doctor might stop this medicine before the surgery.
- Cilostazole should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor, as it may lead to unpleasant side effects.
- Lifestyle changes should be continued with Cilostazole for the best results and a speedy recovery.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cilostazole interacts with some medicines, so it should be used with caution with blood thinners (rivaroxaban, aspirin), antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin or rifampicin), anti-fungal (ketoconazole), anti-hypertensive (diltiazem, lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin), anti-migraine (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), sedatives or hypnotics (buspirone), certain antidepressants (fluoxetine and lithium), medicines to lower blood pressure (methyldopa), anti-Parkinson’s (levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole), anti-epilepsy (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, primidone, oxcarbazepine, ethosuximide, valproate).
Drug-Food Interactions: Grapefruit juice intake and St. John’s wort (An herbal remedy for depression) should be avoided with Cilostazole as it may interact with Cilostazole to produce unpleasant side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cilostazole should be taken with caution in people with a bleeding problem, who have had a heart attack, kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant women or planning to get pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interaction found; in case of any discomfort, consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionCilostazole is not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCilostazole is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it may harm the baby.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution, Cilostazole may cause blurry vision and dizziness or weariness may occur.
Liver
cautionCilostazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCilostazole to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeCilostazole is not recommended for children. The safety and effectiveness of Cilostazole have not been established in children due to limited testing of this drug on children. If necessary, your doctor will decide whether to give Cilostazole or not.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps improve overall health. Take a break between exercises if you feel uneasy. Finding the right exercise is the key.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- Take proper care of your legs and feet.
- Wear shoes that fit you well.
- Check your feet daily for any cracks or sores.
- Try to stay warm. Avoid cold temperatures.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improve coping skills.
- Acupuncture can be helpful by stimulating pressure points.
- Using essential oils for massages can help increase circulation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Intermittent claudication: Intermittent claudication, also known as vascular claudication, is a symptom in which muscle pain or mild exertion occurs during exercise. The pain is generally felt in the calf muscle. Symptoms include cramping, aching, fatigue, and numbness.
FAQs
Cilostazole is used to treat intermittent claudication (pain in the legs due to insufficient blood flow). It also reduces cramping, numbness, or weakness in the legs when walking in such patients.
Cilostazole works by widening the blood vessels and reducing the blood clotting time, thereby decreasing stickiness in blood vessels. Hence, it increases the blood supply to the limbs. It can also increase the distance you can walk without pain since it improves your leg's blood circulation.
No, you should not stop taking Cilostazole even if you feel better, as the pain might come back and become even worse.
Yes, taking Cilostazole can increase bleeding risk as it contains cilostazole, which increases bleeding time. So, please be very cautious while shaving, cutting fingernails or toenails, or using sharp objects to avoid bleeding. Let your doctor know before undergoing any surgical procedure that you are taking Cilostazole.
No, it is a prescribed drug given by a physician for preventing specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side effects.
If you forget to take Cilostazole at any time, take it as soon as you remember, then continue to take it at the usual times. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Yes, Cilostazole contains cilostazole, which increases the blood clotting time. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from sticking together and forming clots, preventing heart attack and stroke.
Cilostazole may cause side effects like headaches, ankle swelling, diarrhoea, abnormal stools, vomiting, and nausea. Most of these side effects of Cilostazole do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Cilostazole might lower the blood pressure; taking Cilostazole with blood pressure-lowering medicines might further decrease the blood pressure. Therefore, please consult the doctor before taking Cilostazole with other blood pressure-lowering medicines.
You may notice an improvement in 2-4 weeks. However, it might take 12 weeks to notice the full benefits of Cilostazole. Keep taking Cilostazole for the prescribed duration to treat your condition effectively.
No, do not smoke if you are taking Cilostazole, as smoking might affect the working of Cilostazole.
You are advised to take Cilostazole for the duration prescribed by the doctor. The duration of treatment will depend on your condition and response to the treatment.
Yes, you may need to stop taking Cilostazole a few days before surgery to avoid the increased risk of bleeding during the procedure. Let the doctor know if you are due to undergo surgery.
Cilostazole might lower the blood pressure as it widens the blood vessels. Therefore, if you have low blood pressure/high blood pressure or if you are taking blood pressure-lowering medicines, please consult a doctor.
Cilostazole is not advised for patients with heart failure due to its potential to increase platelet aggregation, which could lead to higher mortality rates in these individuals.
