Cilostazole used, Side, Doses, mechanism of action & more

Cilostazole

Brand name:- Pletoz, Cilodoc, Stiloz 50, 100mg tabs. 

Cilostazol widens the blood vessels and decreases the stickiness of the platelets, thereby increasing the blood flow to the lower limbs.

Pharmacodynamic:- 

Cilostazol reduces the symptoms of intermittent claudication, as indicated by an increased walking distance. Intermittent claudication is pain in the legs that occurs with walking and disappears with rest. The pain occurs due to reduced blood flow to the legs.

Mechanism of action:- 

Cilostazol and several of its metabolites are cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase III inhibitors (PDE III inhibitors), inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity and suppressing cAMP degradation with a resultant increase in cAMP in platelets and blood vessels, leading to inhibition of platelet aggregation and vasodilation.

Used:- 

Cilostazol is used in the treatment of intermittent claudication. It helps in reducing the symptoms of intermittent claudication like pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the legs that occurs on walking.

Side effects:- 

Headache, Palpitations, Abnormal stool, Diarrhea, Chest pain, Edema (swelling).

Dose:-  100mg BD , 30 min.  before or 2 hours after food. As directed by your doctor.