Cilostazol used for?

What is cilostazol used for?

Cilostazol is a medicine used mainly to treat intermittent claudication, a condition where leg pain or cramping happens when walking and improves with rest. It’s used in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) to help improve walking distance and reduce symptoms [1].

How does it help with intermittent claudication?

Cilostazol is a blood-vessel–acting drug with antiplatelet (helps prevent platelets from clumping) and blood-flow–improving effects. In PAD, this can lessen the pain and delay how quickly symptoms start during walking [1].

Who is it usually prescribed for?

It’s generally prescribed for adults with symptomatic peripheral artery disease who have intermittent claudication. It is not a treatment for a heart attack or stroke, and it is not intended for general pain relief [1].

What should patients watch for while taking it?

Common patient concerns with cilostazol include headache, dizziness, and fast heartbeat or palpitations. It can also interact with other medicines. People with certain heart conditions may not be appropriate candidates for cilostazol [1].

Sources

[1] https://www.drugs.com/mtm/cilostazol.html