Cilostazol, sold as Pletoz, is used to improve blood flow and relieve intermittent claudication symptoms. You take it orally as directed by your healthcare provider, without crushing the tablets. It treats peripheral vascular disease and may help with circulatory disorders like Raynaud’s disease too. Monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially on this medication. Notify your doctor of persistent side effects, and never double doses or keep expired medication. Ensuring purchasing from authorized sources guarantees genuine, high-quality products. Skilled pharmacists offer dosage guidance and information on drug interactions for safe and effective use. More detailed information about Pletoz is available.
Start your journey with cilostazol, a medication used to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms of intermittent claudication. Cilostazol works by widening the blood vessels in your legs, allowing for better circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles. This can help alleviate pain, cramping, and discomfort that occur during physical activity due to reduced blood flow.
When starting cilostazol, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Typically, the recommended dose is taken twice daily, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. It’s important to be consistent with your medication schedule to maximize its benefits.
As with any medication, cilostazol may cause side effects such as headache, diarrhea, or dizziness. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can help adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatment options.
Medication’s Positive Effects?
Improving blood flow and reducing symptoms of intermittent claudication, cilostazol widens blood vessels in your legs to enhance circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles. By inhibiting platelet aggregation and acting as a vasodilator, cilostazol helps to alleviate pain, cramping, and fatigue in the legs that occur during physical activity due to reduced blood flow.
This medication’s positive effects include an increase in the distance you can walk without pain, improved exercise tolerance, and enhanced quality of life for individuals with peripheral vascular disease. Additionally, cilostazol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and improve overall cardiovascular health by promoting better blood flow throughout the body.
It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and report any side effects promptly to ensure the medication’s effectiveness in managing your condition. Cilostazol’s positive impact on blood circulation can greatly enhance your daily activities and well-being by improving the oxygen supply to your muscles and reducing discomfort associated with restricted blood flow.
Why is this medication prescribed?
As a medication prescribed for peripheral vascular disease, cilostazol widens blood vessels in your legs to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms of intermittent claudication. Intermittent claudication is characterized by pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs during physical activity due to reduced blood flow.
By increasing blood flow, cilostazol helps relieve these symptoms, allowing you to walk longer distances without discomfort. Additionally, cilostazol can prevent the formation of blood clots in the arteries, reducing the risk of complications such as strokes and heart attacks.
This medication is specifically recommended for individuals with peripheral artery disease to enhance their ability to perform daily activities and improve their overall quality of life. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking cilostazol to maximize its benefits and minimize any potential side effects.
How should this medicine be used?
To use cilostazol effectively, follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Typically, the recommended starting dose is 100 mg taken orally twice a day, at least half an hour before or two hours after breakfast and dinner. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. It’s important to take cilostazol regularly to experience its full benefits. Don’t increase or decrease the dose without consulting your healthcare provider.
Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablets as this can affect the way the medication is released in your body. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Remember to store cilostazol at room temperature away from moisture and heat. If you have any questions about how to use cilostazol, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
Other uses for this medicine
If cilostazol (Pletoz) isn’t effective for its primary use, your healthcare provider may suggest it for other conditions or purposes. One such alternative use is for the treatment of intermittent claudication, a condition that causes pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs during physical activity due to reduced blood flow. Cilostazol works by widening the blood vessels in the legs, improving blood flow, and reducing the symptoms of intermittent claudication.
Additionally, cilostazol may be prescribed off-label for other circulatory disorders such as Raynaud’s disease, where blood flow to the extremities is limited, causing pain and discoloration in fingers and toes. Some studies suggest that cilostazol could be beneficial in improving blood circulation in these cases.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using cilostazol for any condition. They’ll determine the appropriate dosage and monitor your response to the medication to ensure its effectiveness and safety for the specific condition being treated. Always consult your healthcare provider before using cilostazol for any off-label purposes.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking cilostazol (Pletoz), it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly. This medication can affect your blood pressure, so keeping track of it’s essential for your health.
Consult with your healthcare provider on the best way to monitor and manage your blood pressure while on cilostazol.
Check Your Blood Pressure
Consistently checking your blood pressure is essential while taking Cilostazol (Pletoz) to guarantee optimal health outcomes. To make sure you’re monitoring your blood pressure effectively, here are three key precautions to follow:
- Regular Monitoring: Check your blood pressure at home or at a clinic as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Record Keeping: Maintain a log of your blood pressure readings to track any changes over time.
- Consultation: Discuss your blood pressure readings with your healthcare provider regularly to adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Consider incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals while taking Cilostazol to promote overall heart health and medication effectiveness. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
Additionally, it’s advisable to limit your intake of vital-fat and high-cholesterol foods, as these can negatively impact the effectiveness of Cilostazol. Opt for lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in nuts and olive oil.
Maintaining a pivotal diet plays an important role in enhancing the benefits of Cilostazol. Be mindful of your sodium intake as well, as excessive salt can contribute to high blood pressure, which may counteract the effects of the medication. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day is also important to support proper medication absorption and overall health.
Consult with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations that suit your individual needs and can complement your Cilostazol treatment plan. By making healthy food choices, you can optimize the effectiveness of your medication and promote your heart’s well-being.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
In the event that you forget to take a dose of Cilostazol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Don’t double up on doses to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of experiencing side effects.
To help you remember to take your medication, consider setting up a routine or using reminders such as alarms or pill organizers. If forgetting doses becomes a frequent issue, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider for additional support and guidance.
Consistency in taking Cilostazol is important for maximizing its effectiveness in managing your condition. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses or your medication regimen, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for clarification and assistance.
What side effects can this medication cause?
When taking Cilostazol (Pletoz), it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Notify your doctor of any persistent side effects, as some can be serious.
If you experience symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Notify Doctor Persistent Side Effects
If you experience persistent side effects while taking Cilostazol (Pletoz), you should promptly notify your doctor. Cilostazol can cause a range of side effects, and it’s important to be aware of them to guarantee your health and safety.
Here are some common side effects that you may experience:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal stools
These side effects are usually mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if you notice these symptoms persisting or becoming severe, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance on how to manage these side effects or adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Persistent side effects like headaches, diarrhea, and abnormal stools are common with Cilostazol (Pletoz), but some side effects can be serious, prompting you to contact your doctor immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical help promptly:
- Severe chest pain: This could indicate a heart-related issue that needs immediate attention.
- Signs of bleeding: Such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood, which may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Allergic reactions: Such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, which require urgent medical assessment.
What should I know about the storage and disposal of this medication?
For proper storage and disposal of cilostazol (Pletoz), make sure to keep the medication in its original container and away from moisture and heat. Store the medication at room temperature, between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25 degrees Celsius), in a dry place. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or kitchen where moisture levels can be high. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use to safeguard the medication from humidity.
When it comes to disposing of cilostazol, don’t flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard any medication that’s expired or no longer needed. You can check with your pharmacist on how to safely dispose of unused medications. It’s essential to follow local guidelines on medication disposal to ensure it’s done in an environmentally safe manner and doesn’t pose a risk to others.
If you have any questions regarding the storage or disposal of cilostazol, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
In case of an emergency/overdose
During an emergency or overdose situation involving cilostazol (Pletoz), promptly seek medical assistance by contacting poison control or your local emergency services. If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, or rapid heartbeat after taking cilostazol, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help. It’s essential to provide healthcare professionals with details about the medication taken, the dosage, and the time of ingestion.
While waiting for medical help to arrive, it’s important to stay calm and avoid taking any additional medication unless advised by a healthcare provider. Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, as this can potentially worsen the situation. Keep the medication packaging or bottle with you to provide accurate information to healthcare professionals.
What other information should I know?
What additional information should you be aware of regarding cilostazol (Pletoz)?
Cilostazol may increase your risk of bleeding, so it’s important to be cautious when using it, especially if you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking other medications that also increase bleeding risk. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
Additionally, cilostazol can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so be careful when engaging in activities that require mental alertness, like driving or operating machinery. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol while taking cilostazol, as it can exacerbate these side effects.
If you’re scheduled for surgery, inform your healthcare provider about your cilostazol use, as you may need to stop taking it temporarily. Cilostazol should be taken regularly to experience its full benefits. Remember to follow your prescribed dosage and not to adjust it without consulting your healthcare provider first.
If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects while taking cilostazol, promptly inform your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Brand names
When considering brand names for cilostazol, also known as Pletoz, it is crucial to be aware of the different names under which this medication is marketed. Cilostazol is available under various brand names worldwide. Below is a table showcasing some of the common brand names for cilostazol in different countries:
Brand Name | Country |
---|---|
Pletoz | United States, India |
Pletaal | Japan |
Pletam | South Korea |
Celostazol | Italy |
Zilast | Taiwan |
It is essential to note that these brand names may vary depending on the region and the pharmaceutical company manufacturing the medication. When purchasing cilostazol, make sure you are familiar with the brand name used in your area to avoid any confusion.
Purchase From Authorized Pharmacies
To guarantee the authenticity and quality of your medication, always opt to purchase cilostazol from authorized pharmacies. Authorized pharmacies are licensed establishments that have met specific standards set by regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medications they provide. When you purchase cilostazol from authorized pharmacies, you can have confidence in the product’s authenticity and trust that it has been stored and handled properly to maintain its effectiveness.
By purchasing cilostazol from authorized pharmacies, you also reduce the risk of receiving counterfeit or substandard medication. Counterfeit medications can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst, potentially causing serious health complications. Authorized pharmacies source their medications directly from reputable manufacturers, ensuring that you receive genuine cilostazol that meets quality standards.
Additionally, authorized pharmacies have trained pharmacists who can provide you with guidance on how to take cilostazol safely and effectively. They can answer any questions you may have about the medication and help you understand potential side effects or interactions with other drugs. Overall, purchasing cilostazol from authorized pharmacies is a reliable way to make sure that you receive a genuine and high-quality product for your health needs.
To summarise
For a comprehensive overview, let’s summarize the key points discussed about purchasing cilostazol from authorized pharmacies.
When buying cilostazol, it’s essential to make sure you only purchase from licensed pharmacies to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the medication. Authorized pharmacies adhere to strict regulations, ensuring that the cilostazol you receive is safe for consumption. By purchasing from reputable sources, you reduce the risk of receiving counterfeit or substandard products that could harm your health.
Additionally, purchasing cilostazol from authorized pharmacies provides you with access to professional pharmacists who can offer guidance on dosage, potential side effects, and drug interactions. These pharmacists can also address any concerns or questions you may have about cilostazol, ensuring you use the medication correctly and effectively.