TabletsClinical Overview
Cilostazol is a quinolinone derivative cellular phosphodiesterase III (PDE-3) inhibitor. It suppresses cyclic AMP degradation, elevating intracellular cAMP in platelets and vascular smooth muscle cells, which inhibits platelet aggregation, blocks vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and produces potent arterial vasodilation. Indicated for the reduction of symptoms of intermittent claudication in peripheral arterial disease (PAD), demonstrated by increased pain-free walking distance.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally twice daily, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner, with water. Food significantly increases absorption and side effects. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to notice clinical benefits and up to 12 weeks for maximal response.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Headache (very frequent), diarrhea, abnormal stools, palpitations, tachycardia, dizziness. Rare/Severe: Boxed warning: Contraindicated in heart failure of any severity; severe bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Black box warning: Contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure of any severity; PDE-3 inhibitors have demonstrated decreased survival in patients with class III-IV heart failure. Contraindicated in active bleeding disorders. Grapefruit juice and CYP3A4 inhibitors substantially increase drug concentrations.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered medical practitioner or qualified cardiologist/pharmacist before initiating, altering, or substituting any cardiovascular medication.