Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

CILOSTAZOL - ORAL

(sill-OSS-tuh-zole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Pletal

WARNING: Medications similar to cilostazol have shortened the lives of people with heart failure. Do not use cilostazol if you have any type of heart failure.

Uses

This medication helps reduce symptoms (e.g., leg pain when walking) caused by blood flow disorders (peripheral vascular disease - claudication).

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth, generally twice daily at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal, as directed by your doctor. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice at any time while using this medication. You should notice results from this medication after two to four weeks of use. If you have not noticed results after 12 weeks of use, notify your doctor.

Side Effects

Headache, diarrhea or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: swelling, weakness, chest pain, trouble breathing, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, liver disease, heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure). This medication may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages because they can intensify the dizziness effect of this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: azole antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparins), omeprazole, diltiazem, aspirin (or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), clopidogrel, ticlopidine, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, nefazodone, sertraline. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe headache, severe diarrhea, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and fast or irregular heartbeat.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).