Pletal is the brand name for the drug cilostazol. It’s used for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who have intermittent claudication (leg pain with walking) to improve walking distance and blood flow in the legs.
Key points
- How it works: Cilostazol is a PDE-3 inhibitor. It increases cyclic AMP in platelets and blood vessel walls, which reduces platelet aggregation and helps dilate blood vessels. This can improve blood flow to the legs and lessen claudication.
- Usual dosing: Typically 100 mg taken twice daily. It should be taken either at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. If side effects occur, your doctor may reduce the dose to 50 mg twice daily. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions.
- Who should not take it: Do not use cilostazol if you have active bleeding or if you have congestive heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, since dosing may need adjustment. Also avoid if you’re allergic to cilostazol or any ingredients in the tablet.
- Common side effects: Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flushing, palpitations (fast heart beat), and less commonly, leg edema or back pain.
- More serious concerns: Increased risk of bleeding (especially if you’re also on other blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines), chest pain, or severe dizziness. Stop and seek care if you have signs of serious bleeding, severe chest pain, or fainting.
- Interactions to be aware of: Cilostazol levels in the blood can rise with some medicines (notably strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, or HIV meds). It can also interact with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, increasing bleeding risk. Grapefruit juice can affect its metabolism. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you take.
- Important safety notes: Do not stop taking Pletal abruptly without talking to your clinician. If you’re scheduled for surgery or dental procedures, tell your doctor about your cilostazol use, as it can affect bleeding.
If you’d like, tell me:
- Your age and any health conditions (especially liver, kidney, heart issues)
- Other medicines you take
- Whether you have PAD diagnosed by a clinician
I can tailor the information (dosing ranges, precautions, or potential alternatives) to your situation. Also, if you’re asking because you’re considering starting Pletal or have side effects, I can help you interpret that with general guidance, but a clinician’s advice is essential for your specific case.