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Cilostazol: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Cilostazol is FDA-approved for the reduction of symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in which reduced blood flow to the legs causes pain and more.

Forms:Tablet

About Cilostazol

Indications of Cilostazol

Cilostazol is FDA-approved for the reduction of symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in which reduced blood flow to the legs causes pain, cramping, or fatigue in the calf, thigh, or buttock muscles during walking or exercise.

  • Established/FDA-approved use: Improvement of walking distance (both pain-free and maximum walking distance) in patients with intermittent claudication.
  • Guideline-supported adjunct use: Some vascular guidelines support Cilostazol as an option to reduce restenosis after peripheral endovascular procedures (e.g., after angioplasty or stenting), used in addition to standard antiplatelet therapy, though this is not a primary FDA-labeled indication.
  • Off-label use (limited evidence): Cilostazol is sometimes used off-label as an adjunct antiplatelet agent after certain neurovascular or coronary stenting procedures in specific patient groups; this use should only be under specialist supervision.

Cilostazol does not cure peripheral arterial disease and does not replace lifestyle measures such as smoking cessation, supervised exercise programs, and control of cardiovascular risk factors.

Dosage & Administration of Cilostazol

Adult Dosage (Intermittent Claudication)

PopulationRecommended Dose
Standard adult dose100 mg orally twice daily, taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner
With strong CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, omeprazole, fluconazole)Reduce dose to 50 mg twice daily (see Interactions)

Clinical benefit typically becomes noticeable after 2-4 weeks of continuous therapy, but up to 12 weeks of treatment may be required for full effect. If no symptomatic improvement is observed after 3 months of therapy at the appropriate dose, continued treatment should be reassessed by a physician.

Renal Impairment

No dedicated dose adjustment is established for renal impairment based on standard labeling, but caution is advised in patients with significant renal disease; use should be guided by a physician.

Hepatic Impairment

Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as Cilostazol is extensively metabolized by the liver; dosing should be individualized under medical supervision.

Pediatric Dosage

Safety and efficacy of Cilostazol in pediatric patients have not been established (see Use in Special Populations).

Side Effects of Cilostazol

The most commonly reported adverse effects of Cilostazol (100 mg twice daily) include:

  • Headache (most common; approximately 34% of patients, often dose-related and may improve over time)
  • Diarrhea (approximately 19%)
  • Abnormal stools (approximately 15%)
  • Dizziness (approximately 10%)
  • Palpitations (approximately 10%)

Other less common effects can include nausea, dyspepsia, peripheral edema, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and infection. Rare but serious effects can include significant bleeding (see Contraindications for bleeding-related risk factors) and hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should seek prompt medical attention for chest pain, irregular heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising, or signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) while taking Cilostazol.

Contraindications of Cilostazol

Cilostazol is contraindicated in:

  • Patients with heart failure of any severity (this is a class-wide, boxed-warning contraindication for phosphodiesterase III inhibitors, as such drugs have been associated with decreased survival in patients with class III-IV heart failure).
  • Known hypersensitivity to Cilostazol or any component of the formulation (reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported).
  • Patients with hemostatic disorders or active pathological bleeding, such as active peptic ulcer disease or active intracranial bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cilostazol

What is Cilostazol used for?

Cilostazol is used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication (leg pain or cramping during walking) caused by peripheral arterial disease, by improving blood flow and walking distance.

Can I take Cilostazol if I have heart failure?

No. Cilostazol is contraindicated in patients with heart failure of any severity, because this class of drug (PDE3 inhibitors) has been linked to decreased survival in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. Tell your doctor immediately if you have or develop symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath or swelling.

How should I take Cilostazol?

Cilostazol is usually taken as 100 mg twice daily, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner. It may take 2 to 12 weeks to notice improvement in walking distance, so it should be taken consistently as prescribed.

What are the most common side effects of Cilostazol?

The most common side effects of Cilostazol are headache, diarrhea, abnormal stools, dizziness, and palpitations. Most are mild to moderate, but you should tell your doctor if they are severe or persistent.

Can Cilostazol be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Cilostazol should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, as animal studies showed harm to the fetus at high doses and human data are limited. It is not known if Cilostazol passes into breast milk, so a physician should be consulted before use while breastfeeding.

Does Cilostazol interact with other medicines?

Yes. Certain medicines, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, omeprazole, and fluconazole, can increase Cilostazol levels and usually require a lower dose (50 mg twice daily). Cilostazol can also increase bleeding risk when combined with aspirin or other blood thinners. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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