Generic name: cilostazol [ sye-LOE-sta-zol ]
Drug classes: Miscellaneous cardiovascular agents, Platelet aggregation inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Pletal?

Pletal is a vasodilator that works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels to help them dilate (widen). This medicine dilates arteries that supply blood to your legs. This medicine also improves circulation by keeping platelets in the blood from sticking together and clotting.

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

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

Pletal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pletal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores; or

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin.

Common side effects of Pletal may include:

• diarrhea, abnormal bowel movements;

• headache; or

• fast or pounding heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not take Pletal if you have heart failure of any kind.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Pletal if you have heart failure of any kind. This medicine can make this condition worse.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• bleeding problems;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a heart attack or stroke; or

• if you smoke.

It is not known whether Pletal will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Pletal.

How should I take Pletal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Pletal is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast or dinner.

Take the medicine at the same time each day.

It may take up to 12 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 months of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

cilostazol, pentoxifylline, Trental, Pentoxil

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Pletal?

Grapefruit may interact with Pletal and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Pletal?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect Pletal. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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