General Info: Uses and Effects

Pletoz Generic (Cilostazol) is used to improve the symptoms of certain blood flow problem in the legs, known as intermittent claudication. The medication helps minimize muscle cramps and pain that occur during walking or exercise. Intermittent claudication pain is usually caused by too little oxygen flowing to the muscles. The drug helps to increase the blood flow as well as the quantity of oxygen that flows into the muscle. Pletoz Cilostazol is a vasodilator and an anti-platelet drug. It functions by preventing blood cells (platelets) from adhering together and stops them from forming damaging clots. It also helps expand blood vessels of the legs and makes blood move easily and keep flowing smoothly through the body.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before you start your treatment with Pletoz Cilostazol, tell your physician if you are allergic to the drug or if there is any other kind of allergies. This drug may have other inactive substances which may cause allergic reactions or other health problems. Discuss with your doctor in details about all possible allergic reactions of this medicine. Before you use the drug, inform your doctor about your medical history, specifically if you have ever experienced blood disorders (including low platelet counts, haemophilia), serious bleeding (including bleeding in the brain/eye, bleeding ulcers), kidney disease, stroke, heart disease (including chest pain, heart attack, irregular/fast heartbeat). This medication can make you dizzy. Therefore, do not use machinery, drive, or engage in physical activity that will require your full alertness until you are sure you can do so safely. Limit your consumption of alcohol and discuss with your physician if you are taking marijuana.

To reduce the chances of getting bruised, injured, or cut, be careful when using sharp objects, such as razors or nail cutters. Also, avoid sport activities such as contact sports. This drug can cause stomach bleeding and daily consumption of alcohol when taking the medication can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant while using this medication. This is because it can only be used in pregnancy if it is clearly needed. It has not been reported that the drug passes into breast milk. However, before you start using the drug, inform you doctor if you are nursing a baby. Older adults can also be more sensitive to the side effects of the medication, especially fluid retention (swelling of the feet or hands).

Instructions on Taking

It is essential that you read the drug instruction before using Pletoz Generic. Ensure you understand the usage pattern before you commence your treatment. In case there is anything that is not clear to you, ask your physician before leaving his office. Pletoz Cilostazol should be taken orally without food as recommended by your doctor. It is usually prescribed to be used twice daily. Take it 30 minutes before or 2 hours after your breakfast and dinner. Your dosage will depend on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other drugs you are taking. It is important that you inform your physician about all other medications you are using, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal products, and vitamins. Use the drug as prescribed to get the most of its health benefits. To ensure you don't miss your dosage, use it at the same time each day. You should notice an improvement in your symptoms within two to four weeks of starting your treatment. Sometimes, it can take up to 12 weeks before you can see the full health benefits of the medication. In case your condition worsens or persists while taking the medication, inform your doctor.

Use the medication as directed by your physician. Do not use the drug in smaller or larger dose as this can increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not share your drug with another person even if they exhibit the same symptoms as you do. Keep all medications out of the reach of children. In case you experience any side effect that worsens or persist, call your doctor immediately.

Side Effects

There are some side effects that can occur while using the medication. You can experience diarrhea, headache, dizziness, or runny nose while taking Pletoz Cilostazol. If these side effects worsen or persist, contact your doctor immediately. Don't forget that your physician has recommended this drug for you because he believes that the pros of this drug greatly outweigh its cons. Many patients taking this medicament do not suffer from any serious adverse effects. However, call your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as easy bruising/bleeding, swelling of feet/hands, bloody/black stools, signs of infection (such as persistent sore throat, fever), vomit that looks like coffee grounds. You should also call for urgent medical attention if you experience jaw/chest/left arm pain, irregular/pounding/fast heartbeat, fainting, vision changes, severe dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, weakness on one part of the body.

Serious allergic reactions to Pletoz Cilostazol are very rare. However, seek urgent medical attention if you detect any signs of severe allergic reactions, such as severe dizziness, rash, itching/swelling of the tongue, face, or throat, or trouble breathing.

It is important to note that the list of side effects mentioned above is not exhaustive. There might be other adverse effects other than what is listed here. Therefore, call your doctor immediately if you experience any serious or persistent side effects while using the medication.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Pletoz Cilostazol can interact with some medications which can increase the risk of serious side effects associated with the usage. It is therefore important that you tell your doctor about all medicines you are using, including prescription, non prescription, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some medicaments that can interact with this medication include blood thinners, such as Warfarin and Heparin. Some certain anti-platelet drugs, such as Dypyridamole, can also interact with this medication. Tipranavir can also interact with Cilostazol.