Information about Pletal (Cilostazol)
Pletal is the brand name for Cilostazol, a medication primarily used to treat symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition caused by poor blood flow to the legs, often seen in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Cilostazol works by improving blood flow to the legs, reducing pain and cramping associated with walking, and enhancing exercise capacity.
Product Highlights
- Pletal is primarily prescribed to treat intermittent claudication, a condition characterized by leg pain and cramping caused by insufficient blood flow during physical activity. It improves walking distance and reduces discomfort in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Cilostazol is used to improve symptoms in patients with PAD by enhancing blood circulation to the legs.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Pletal can increase the distance a person with intermittent claudication can walk without pain, improving their mobility and quality of life.
- By improving blood flow, Pletal reduces pain and cramping during physical activities like walking, which is common in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Cilostazol not only dilates blood vessels but also inhibits platelet aggregation, which helps prevent blood clots and improves overall circulation.
Direction of Use
- The typical dosage of Pletal is 100 mg twice daily, taken approximately 30 minutes before meals, once in the morning and once in the evening.
- Pletal should be taken orally with water, and it is recommended to avoid taking it with food to ensure optimal absorption.
- It is important to take the medication consistently, at the same times each day, to maintain steady blood levels of the drug and optimize its effectiveness.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects may include headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, and palpitations. These are typically mild and often improve with continued use.
- Pletal should be used with caution in patients with heart failure, as it can exacerbate symptoms or cause fluid retention. It is not recommended for use in patients with any degree of heart failure.
- Cilostazol can increase the risk of bleeding due to its effects on platelet aggregation. Caution should be exercised in patients taking other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
- Cilostazol is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Patients with liver or kidney impairment may need dose adjustments or careful monitoring.
- Cilostazol may interact with certain drugs, including other antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, CYP3A4 inhibitors, and drugs that affect liver enzymes. Make sure to inform your healthcare provider of all the medications you are currently taking.
- Pletal is classified as a pregnancy category C drug, meaning it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the risks to the fetus. It is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Avoid Pletal (Cilostazol) If
- Pletal should be avoided in patients with heart failure, as it may worsen the condition and lead to further complications.
- Cilostazol should not be used in patients with severe liver disease, as it may increase the risk of side effects due to impaired metabolism.
- Patients with severe kidney dysfunction may require a dose adjustment, or the drug should be avoided due to the risk of accumulation and toxicity.
- Cilostazol should be avoided in patients with active bleeding, such as in cases of peptic ulcers, or those with bleeding disorders, due to the risk of bleeding complications.
- Pletal should not be used by individuals with a known allergy to cilostazol or any of the components of the medication.
