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Cilostazol: uses, side effects & brands
Cilostazol improves walking distance in peripheral artery disease. It belongs to the Peripheral vascular medicine group. These improve blood flow in the legs in peripheral artery disease and related conditions.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Peripheral vascular medicine |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Leg pain on walking from peripheral artery disease (intermittent claudication)
- Improving walking distance
- Used with exercise and stopping smoking
Common brand names
- India: Cilodac, Cilostar, Pletoz
- Worldwide: Pletal
Common side effects
- Headache
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
Before taking it — precautions
- Not for people with heart failure
- Tell your doctor about bleeding problems or use of blood thinners
- Interacts with some antifungal and antibiotic medicines; avoid grapefruit juice
When to see a doctor urgently
- Ankle swelling or breathlessness (heart failure) (urgent)
- Chest pain or very fast heartbeat (urgent)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Frequently asked questions
How long until I can walk further?
Some people notice improvement within a few weeks, but it can take a few months. If there is no benefit, it is usually stopped.
Why is it not used in heart failure?
Medicines from the same group increased deaths in heart failure, so cilostazol is avoided in these patients.
Should I take it with food?
It is usually taken before meals, as food can increase absorption. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.