Cilostazol widens the arteries in the legs and makes platelets less sticky. It is used for intermittent claudication, the cramping leg pain that comes on with walking when the leg arteries are narrowed, and it improves how far people can walk.

What Cilostazol Is Used For

Intermittent claudication in peripheral artery disease
Improving walking distance and leg circulation
Selected cases after vascular procedures, on specialist advice

Common Side Effects

Headache, common in the first weeks
Loose motions
Palpitations and a faster heartbeat
Dizziness

Precautions

It must not be used in heart failure. Tell your doctor about any heart rhythm problem or if you take other blood thinning medicines. Take it on an empty stomach, an hour before or two hours after food, and avoid grapefruit juice. Benefit is judged after about three months. Structured walking exercise, stopping smoking and controlling cholesterol do at least as much as the tablet.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.