Indications 

Cilostazol, a quinolone derivative, treats intermittent claudication associated with early-stage peripheral vascular disease. Intermittent claudication is characterized by leg pain when walking, caused by narrowed arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the legs. Cilostazol effectively alleviates the pain of intermittent claudication by dilating these arteries, improving blood flow and oxygen supply to the legs. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend a therapeutic trial of cilostazol to improve walking distances in patients with peripheral artery disease. Cilostazol has been utilized off-label to prevent severe vascular events in patients with a history of transient ischemic attack or non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following elective stent placement. 

Uses and Dosage 

Cilostazol is utilized for treating intermittent claudication, which causes muscle pain and cramps in the legs during exercise or walking caused by insufficient oxygen getting to the muscles. It functions as an antiplatelet drug and vasodilator, which inhibits platelets from aggregating and forming harmful clots and widens blood vessels in the legs. 

Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication orally, usually twice daily, without food. Taking medicine at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner is recommended. The prescribed dosage may depend on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you are taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. 

For optimal results, using this medication regularly and at the exact times every day is essential. 

Side effects 

Common Side Effects

You may experience side effects such as:  

• Headache 
• Diarrhea 
• Runny nose 
• Dizziness 

If these symptoms persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist. 

Severe Side Effects

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they have assessed that the benefits outweigh the potential risks of side effects. Many individuals who use this medication do not experience severe side effects. 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects, such as:  

• Swelling in your hands or feet 
• Easy bruising or bleeding 
• Black or bloody stools 
• Vomit resembling coffee grounds 
• Signs of infection like fever or persistent sore throat 

Cautions 

Before taking cilostazol, you must inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies or allergic reactions you have had in the past. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other complications. Please consult your pharmacist for additional information. 

Before using this medication, discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have an account of severe or active bleeding (such as bleeding ulcers, bleeding in the eye/brain), blood disorders (such as hemophilia, low platelet counts), heart disease (such as heart attack, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat), stroke, or kidney disease.