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Why is this medication 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 should this medicine 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.
What special precautions should I follow?
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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
You should not drink grapefruit juice while taking cilostazol.
What should I do if I 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.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from cilostazol are not common, they can occur. 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
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
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
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 controlcenter at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at911.
What other information should I know?
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.
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