Cilostazol
Uses of Cilostazol
Cilostazol is commonly used to treat Intermittent Claudication, Peripheral Vascular Disease
How Cilostazol Works
Cilostazol works to induce the dilation of the arterial blood vessel and prevent platelet aggregation by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase-III.
Side Effects of Cilostazol
Dizziness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Palpitations, Chest pain, Skin rash, Bleeding
Warnings
Kidney High Risk
Dosage adjustment is needed in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment and is contraindicated to be used in patients with severe renal impairment.
Alcohol Safe
There is no clear contraindication on the consumption of alcohol when taking Cilostazol despite the potential adverse effects of dizziness and headache it presents.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Animal reproductive studies suggest teratogenicity while there are no adequate human pregnant studies to suggest otherwise. It is, therefore, not advisable to be used in pregnant women without specialist recommendation.
Driving Not advisable
It is not advisable to drive when taking Cilostazol due to its potential side effects such as headache and dizziness which can affect the ability to drive and concentrate.
Liver Use With Care
Dosage adjustment is needed in patient with mild hepatic impairment while it is contraindicated to be used in moderate to severe hepatic impaired patients.
Lactation Not Advisable
Cilostazol has been found in breastmilk according to animal studies and due to its potential serious side effects on the infant, it is not advisable to be used during breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
