Cilostazol
Cilostazol is an antiplatelet vasodilator used to improve walking symptoms in selected people with intermittent claudication. It must not be used in heart failure.
Key points
- Cilostazol treats walking limitation from peripheral arterial disease but does not replace exercise, smoking cessation or cardiovascular risk management.
- Heart failure is a major contraindication, and palpitations or a fast heartbeat need review.
- Other antiplatelets, anticoagulants and strong enzyme inhibitors can increase treatment risk.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on vascular assessment, heart history, prescription and pharmacy checks.
What cilostazol is used for
Cilostazol may be considered for intermittent claudication when symptoms remain limiting despite core management and the person has no heart failure.
How it works
Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase-3, reducing platelet aggregation and widening some blood vessels. Benefit is assessed by function, not simply by pulse changes.
Important safety checks
Review any heart failure, rhythm disorder, recent heart event, bleeding, liver or kidney disease and all antiplatelets, anticoagulants or interacting medicines. New unexplained bleeding or cardiac symptoms need review.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for chest pain, fainting, a sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat, vomiting blood, black stools, uncontrolled bleeding, signs of stroke, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.