Pletal Consumer Information

Pletal

Generic Name: cilostazol (sil OS tah zol)
Brand Names: Pletal

What is Pletal (cilostazol)?

Cilostazol widens arteries that supply blood to the legs. Cilostazol also improves circulation by keeping platelets in the blood from sticking together and clotting.

Cilostazol is used to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition causes reduced blood flow to the legs, leading to pain while walking. Cilostazol improves your ability to walk longer distances without pain.

Cilostazol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Pletal (cilostazol)?

It may take up to 12 weeks of using cilostazol before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with cilostazol. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Pletal (cilostazol)?

Before using cilostazol, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease; or

• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

How should I take Pletal (cilostazol)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

It may take up to 12 weeks of using cilostazol before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include a severe headache, diarrhea, feeling light-headed, fainting, and fast or uneven heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking Pletal (cilostazol)?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with cilostazol. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Pletal (cilostazol) side effects

• severe headache;

• bloody urine, painful urination;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• chest pain;

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or

• swelling of your ankles or feet.

Less serious side effects may include:

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• diarrhea, vomiting;

• weakness, dizziness;

• leg cramps;

• numbness or tingling;

• joint pain; or

• cough, runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Pletal (cilostazol)?

Before taking cilostazol, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• clopidogrel (Plavix);

• omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid) or esomeprazole (Nexium);

• erythromycin (E.E.S., Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, Erythrocin) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), or itraconazole (Sporanox);

• diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac); or

• fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or nefazodone (Serzone).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with cilostazol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.