Cilostazol (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING

Cilostazol should not be used by patients with congestive heart failure. If you have a history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with cilostazol before taking it.

Why this medication is prescribed

Cilostazol is used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication (pain in the legs that happens when walking and goes away with rest). Cilostazol helps people walk a longer distance before leg pain starts.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Cilostazol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two times a day. It should be taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take cilostazol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Cilostazol controls the symptoms of intermittent claudication but does not cure it. It may take up to 12 weeks before you notice a benefit (increased walking distance) from cilostazol. Continue taking cilostazol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cilostazol without talking to your doctor.

Special Precautions

Before taking cilostazol:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cilostazol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, azithromycin (Zithromax), citalopram (Celexa), clarithromycin (Biaxin), clopidogrel (Plavix), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR), erythromycin (E-mycin, Ery-Tab, others), fluconazole (Diflucan), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), nefazadone (Serzone), omeprazole (Prilosec), sertraline (Zoloft), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking cilostazol, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of cilostazol.

Special dietary instructions

You should not drink grapefruit juice while taking cilostazol.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Cilostazol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• fast or irregular heartbeats
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• abnormal stools
• runny nose
• sore throat
• flu-like symptoms

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• shortness of breath

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.You should read the patient information that comes with your prescription before you begin to take cilostazol and read it again every time you have your prescription filled in case the patient information changes.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Pletal®