Cilostazol is used to help reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication (cramp-like pain in your leg when you walk which is caused by an insufficient blood supply in the legs).
This medicine is used for those whose symptoms did not improve after lifestyle modifications (e.g. smoking cessation, exercise programme) and drug treatment or interventions.
Take Cilostazol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Cilostazol must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, fast or irregular heartbeat
- unstable angina (chest pain that occurs randomly or unexpectedly)
- heart attack or any heart surgery in the last 6 months
- active bleeding, or conditions which may increase your risk of bleeding e.g. stomach ulcer, uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent stroke, problems with your eyes if you have diabetes
- severe kidney disease
- moderate or severe liver disease
as Cilostazol may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Do not take Cilostazol with 2 or more blood-thinning medicines e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban.
Inform your doctor if you have heart problems such as heart rhythm disorder.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work (e.g. tooth extraction), inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Cilostazol.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine blood tests may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs of heart problem or bleeding may also be needed.
Cilostazol may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach wind, abnormal stool, stomach pain, weakness, lack of appetite, rash, itching, runny nose, and patchy bleeding in the skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- palpitation
- chest pain or discomfort
- swelling of the face, hands, feet, legs or ankles
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Cilostazol with 2 or more blood-thinning medicines e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. ticlopidine, diltiazem
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin
- medicine used for stomach disorders e.g. cisapride
- medicine for malaria (a disease transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito) e.g. halofantrine
- pimozide (medicine for mood disorder)
- medicines for migraine e.g. ergot alkaloids
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Cilostazol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.