Common use

Pletal is a medication containing cilostazol, prescribed for reducing attacks of intermittent claudication — a condition characterized by pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks that typically occurs after walking. As a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (specifically a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor), cilostazol works by widening arteries that supply blood to the legs, significantly improving blood flow to the lower extremities. Pletal also decreases the ability of platelets to stick together, providing additional cardiovascular benefits for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Many people choose to buy Pletal online as an effective and convenient PAD treatment option. Pletal generic versions offer the same proven relief from intermittent claudication and leg pain at more affordable prices. If you suffer from peripheral artery disease and experience leg pain during walking, cilostazol can help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Buy cilostazol from our trusted online pharmacy for reliable, affordable treatment of intermittent claudication and peripheral artery disease.



Dosage and directions

Take Pletal exactly as directed by your doctor. Take cilostazol by mouth at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating, as food can affect absorption of the medication. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you take Pletal, as grapefruit can increase cilostazol levels in your blood and may lead to unwanted side effects. It is important to understand that the effects of Pletal are not immediate. Although you may experience the benefits of this phosphodiesterase inhibitor within 2 to 4 weeks after beginning treatment, it may take up to 12 weeks of consistent use before Pletal reaches its full therapeutic effect for intermittent claudication relief. Do not stop taking cilostazol without consulting your doctor, even if you feel improvement in your leg pain and blood flow.



Precautions

Before starting Pletal for PAD treatment, discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have liver or kidney problems. Patients with peripheral artery disease should be aware that cilostazol may cause dizziness or headache, especially during the first weeks of treatment. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are recommended to monitor your response to PAD treatment and assess improvements in blood flow and walking distance. Inform your doctor about any changes in your cardiovascular health, as peripheral artery disease is often associated with other cardiovascular conditions that may require additional treatment.



Contraindications

Do not use Pletal if you have an allergy to any of its components or if you have been diagnosed with heart failure of any severity. Cilostazol is strictly contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure, as phosphodiesterase inhibitors have been associated with increased mortality in this patient population. This contraindication applies regardless of the severity of heart failure. Before starting treatment for intermittent claudication, make sure your doctor has thoroughly evaluated your cardiovascular health.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects of Pletal include: abnormal stools; back pain; bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands; diarrhea; dizziness; feeling of a whirling motion; gas; headache; increased cough; indigestion; infection; muscle aches; nausea; runny nose; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling of the legs and feet. Headache is the most frequently reported side effect of cilostazol and often decreases over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include: allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools indicating possible gastrointestinal bleeding; fast or irregular heartbeat; pounding in the chest; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of these symptoms during your PAD treatment with cilostazol.



Drug interaction

Several medications can interact with Pletal and affect how cilostazol works in your body. Certain medicines that act on the liver can increase blood levels of this phosphodiesterase inhibitor, including ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, and omeprazole. Your doctor may need to adjust your cilostazol dosage if you are taking any of these medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are currently taking to prevent potentially harmful interactions during your intermittent claudication treatment. Other antiplatelet agents and blood thinners may increase bleeding risk when combined with Pletal.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Pletal, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist for guidance. Consistent dosing is essential for maintaining adequate blood flow and effective PAD treatment with cilostazol.



Overdose

Seek urgent medical help if you suspect a Pletal overdose. Overdose symptoms of cilostazol may include: diarrhea; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; fatigue; low blood pressure; severe headache; weakness. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately if you believe you have taken too much of this phosphodiesterase inhibitor.



Storage

Store Pletal between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep cilostazol out of the reach of children and away from pets. Properly dispose of any expired PAD treatment medication.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.