Generic Cilostazol

Common use

Cilostazol is a medication used for reducing attacks of intermittent claudication (pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks) that may occur after walking. Cilostazol is a a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor. It widens arteries that supply blood to the legs. It also decreases the ability of platelets to stick together.



Dosage and directions

Take is exactly as directed by your doctor. Take Cilostazol by mouth at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you take Cilostazol. The effects of Cilostazol are not immediate. Although you may experience the benefits of Cilostazol 2 to 4 weeks after beginning treatment, treatment for up to 12 weeks may be necessary before Cilostazol takes effect.



Precautions

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.



Contraindications

Do not use the medicine if you have allergy to any its component or heart failure.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects 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.. Serious side effects are allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; fast or irregular heartbeat; pounding in the chest; unusual bruising or bleeding; vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds. Seek medical help if you have one of them.



Drug interaction

The following medications can interact with Cilostazol:Certain medicines that act on the liver ketoconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, omeprazole).



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Cilostazol 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.



Overdose

Seek urgent medical help if you overdosed Cilostazol. Overdose symptoms are diarrhea; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; fatigue; low blood pressure; severe headache; weakness.



Storage

Store Cilostazol 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.



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.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)