Pletal

Pletal
This page contains drug information on Pletal.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Pletal
the possible side effects of Pletal
what happens if you miss a dose of Pletal
what happens if you overdose with Pletal
the most important information about Pletal
how to use Pletal
other drugs that may affect Pletal
what to avoid while using Pletal

Generic Name: cilostazol (sil OS tah zol)
Brand Names: Pletal

What is the most important information I should know about cilostazol?

• Do not take cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure. Cilostazol can worsen this condition.
• Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with cilostazol unless specifically directed otherwise by your doctor. Cilostazol can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice leading to potentially dangerous effects.
• Take cilostazol on an empty stomach, at least one-half hour before or two hours after food.

What is cilostazol?

• The exact way that cilostazol works is not known. It is known that cilostazol widens arteries that supply blood to the legs. Cilostazol also decreases the ability of platelets (particles in the blood involved in blood clotting) to stick together.
• Cilostazol is used to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is pain in the legs that occurs with walking and disappears with rest. The pain occurs due to reduced blood flow to the legs.
• Cilostazol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cilostazol?

• Do not take cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure. Cilostazol can worsen this condition.
• Before taking cilostazol, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take cilostazol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Cilostazol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether cilostazol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take cilostazol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether cilostazol passes into breast milk. Do not take cilostazol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take cilostazol?

• Take cilostazol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Cilostazol is usually taken twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Take cilostazol on an empty stomach, at least one-half hour before or two hours after food. Take cilostazol at the same times each day.
• Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with cilostazol unless specifically directed otherwise by your doctor. Cilostazol can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice leading to potentially dangerous effects.
• Improvement in symptoms may not occur immediately after starting treatment with cilostazol. Discuss with your doctor when beneficial effects may be expected to occur.
• Store cilostazol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and only take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a cilostazol overdose might include a severe headache, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, a fast heartbeat, and irregular heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking cilostazol?

• Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with cilostazol unless specifically directed otherwise by your doctor. Cilostazol can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice leading to potentially dangerous effects.

What are the possible side effects of cilostazol?

• If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking cilostazol and seek emergency medical attention.
• Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take cilostazol and notify your doctor if you experience
• headache,
• diarrhea or abnormal stools,
• upset stomach,
• irregular or fast heartbeats, or
• dizziness.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cilostazol?

Before taking cilostazol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, and others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), or itraconazole (Sporanox);
• diltiazem (Cardizem);
• omeprazole (Prilosec);
• fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), or sertraline (Zoloft); or
• nefazodone (Serzone).

You may not be able to take cilostazol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here also interact with cilostazol. Talk to your doctor before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, during treatment with cilostazol.