What is cilostazol used for?
Cilostazol (often sold as Pletal) is a medicine doctors use to treat claudication from peripheral arterial disease (PAD)—specifically, to help improve walking distance in people whose leg pain is caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. [1]
How does cilostazol work in the body?
Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. It also has blood-thinning (antiplatelet) effects and helps relax blood vessels, which can improve blood flow to the legs. [1]
What does it treat in terms of symptoms?
The main symptom it targets is pain when walking (intermittent claudication). By improving circulation, it can help people:
- walk farther before leg pain starts
- increase exercise tolerance related to PAD [1]
Who should not use cilostazol?
Cilostazol is generally not used in people with heart failure (especially of any severity), because it can worsen outcomes in that condition. [1]
What are common side effects people ask about?
People taking cilostazol can experience side effects such as headache, dizziness, diarrhea, and palpitations. [1]
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/cilostazol.html