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Cilostazol

 

Cilostazol (generic Pletal) Review

brand name: Pletal
generic name: Cilostazol

What are cilostazol tablets?

CILOSTAZOL (Pletal®) is a medication that reduces the symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition causes pain in the legs during walking, and goes away with rest. Cilostazol helps blood flow more smoothly through the blood vessels; this action improves oxygen flow to the tissues of the body. By improving blood flow, cilostazol helps people with claudication walk longer distances without pain. In some cases cilostazol may be prescribed for other health conditions where improved blood flow through the blood vessels is needed. Generic cilostazol tablets are available.

What is the most important information I should know about Cilostazol (Pletal)?

Do not take Cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure. Cilostazol (Pletal) can make this condition worse.

Your symptoms may not improve for at least 2 to 4 weeks after you start taking Cilostazol (Pletal). You may need to take this medicine for up to 12 weeks before you notice improvement. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within that time.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Cilostazol (Pletal). The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Take Cilostazol (Pletal) on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
•angina
•bleeding disorder or hemophilia
•diabetes
•headaches
•history of heart failure, other medicines, foods, dyes, or other heart disease
•low blood pressure
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Cilostazol (Pletal), heart attack

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Cilostazol (Pletal)?

Do not take Cilostazol if you have congestive heart failure. Cilostazol (Pletal) can make this condition worse.

Before using Cilostazol (Pletal), tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease.
• heart disease; or

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Cilostazol (Pletal), or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Cilostazol (Pletal) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take this medicine?

Take Cilostazol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with plenty of water (at least a full glass) to avoid stomach upset. Take on an empty stomach, at least ½ hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What other drugs will affect Cilostazol (Pletal)?

Before taking Cilostazol (Pletal), tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), or nefazodone (Serzone).
• diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac); or
• ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), or itraconazole (Sporanox);
• erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, Erythrocin) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
• omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid) or esomeprazole (Nexium);
• clopidogrel (Plavix);

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Cilostazol (Pletal), or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Cilostazol (Pletal). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.