Uses of Cilostazol

Cilostazol is used in the treatment of intermittent claudication, which is defined as the cramp-like pain in the legs while walking caused by insufficient blood supply in the legs.

Therapeutic Category

Cilostazol: Phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitors 

How Cilostazol works

Cilostazol acts by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes (phosphodiesterase) which helps in the increase in the level of cAMP (cellular messengers to initiate certain actions) in platelets and blood vessels. The cAMP helps in widening of some blood vessels and reducing the clotting activity of platelets inside the blood vessels. Hence increasing the blood circulation to the legs making it easier and less painful to walk.

Common side effects of Cilostazol

• headache, dizziness
• abnormal stools, diarrhoea
• heart pounding
• runny nose
• abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort (indigestion), excessive burping
• nausea or vomiting, general weakness
• loss of appetite
• swelling of the ankles, feet or face
• skin allergy (rash or changes in appearance of the skin, itchy skin, patchy bleeding in the skin)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• in case of accidental overdosage
• Easy bruising and bleeding, fever, or sore throat
• A pain or uncomfortable feeling in the chest, often spreading to the arms or neck and sometimes to the shoulders and back which may be caused by too little blood and oxygen supplying to the heart
• Heart attack, irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate
• Heart problems causing shortness of breath or ankle swelling
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Bleeding of the stomach and eyes
• Pneumonia
• Kidney failure

Health Tips for Cilostazol

• Take Cilostazol on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal
• Follow a healthy lifestyle by eating a healthy diet, doing regular exercise, and smoking cessation
• Cilostazol is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women