Pletal is an oral tablet made up of a vasodilator/platelet aggregation inhibitor drug called cilostazol. We carry the generic alternative of this medication in 50mg and 100mg!

Pletal is prescribed to treat symptoms of intermittent claudication. This is a condition where there isn’t enough blood flowing to the muscles during physical activities like exercise, typically affecting the legs. Blood restriction is commonly caused due to peripheral artery disease, which is when the large vessels that deliver blood, become damaged as result of a buildup of cholesterol and other fats and blood cells. Plaque buildup causes the vessels to become narrower, and if the plaque were to rupture, the vessel would become even more narrow. The narrower the blood vessels are, the harder it is to get blood through them, which results in the muscles not receiving enough blood, causing pain.

Pletal (cilostazol) is effective at treating muscle pain caused by intermittent claudication because it is able to relax the muscles in the blood vessels to help widen them while also dilating the arteries that supply the blood to the leg. Pletal also improves circulation by keeping the blood from clotting.

Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions.

Take a Pletal tablet two times per day with an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours following breakfast or dinner.

You should take this medication at the same time every day

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

This product should not be used by those who are allergic to cilostazol or if you have congestive heart failure.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or if you smoke.

Risks

It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby or if it will pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Pletal.

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, all medical conditions you may have, and any previous medications that gave you an allergic reaction.

Common side effects of Pletal (cilostazol) may include:

headache, dizziness; diarrhea, abnormal bowel movements; upset stomach; or runny nose.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Pletal (cilostazol) may include:

chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; bloody urine, painful urination; shortness of breath, even with mild exertion; or swelling of your ankles or feet.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

allergic reaction: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red, or watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised itchy, red rash (hives) or swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.

What should I avoid while using this medication?

Throughout treatment, you may want to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice may interact with this drug and lead to unwanted side effects.

What is the average dose for an adult with intermittent claudication?

The average dose for an adult with intermittent claudication is 100mg taken by mouth twice a day.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember or skip it if your next dose is approaching soon. Do not attempt to make up for a missed dose by doubling up on dosages.

What else should I know about this medication?

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.