Drug Notes

Cilostazol (By mouth)

Cilostazol (sye-LOE-sta-zol)

Treats intermittent claudication (a problem with blood flow in the legs) by helping you walk longer distances with less pain.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Your leg pain may not get better right away. It may take 2 weeks or more before you have improvement and up to 12 weeks for the full effect.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how cilostazol works. Tell your doctor if you are using diltiazem, ticlopidine, fluconazole, omeprazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, nelfinavir, indinavir, or ritonavir.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, blood clotting problems, angina, or heart disease.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Decrease in number of blood cells, which may lead to bleeding or infections
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Low blood pressure
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017