PLETOZ 50 TABLET

🦵🩸💊 Cilostazol 50mg Tablet: Vascular Enhancer for Pain-Free Walking in Peripheral Artery Disease

Cilostazol 50mg is a vasodilator and antiplatelet agent primarily used to treat intermittent claudication—painful cramping in the legs due to poor blood circulation (commonly caused by peripheral arterial disease, or PAD). It helps increase blood flow, improve walking distance, and reduce symptoms such as pain, numbness, and fatigue in the legs by preventing blood clots and relaxing blood vessels.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

Cilostazol works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3), leading to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in platelets and blood vessel walls. This dual action results in:

• Vasodilation (widening of arteries), especially in the legs

• Inhibition of platelet aggregation (prevents clot formation)

• Improved oxygen delivery to leg muscles during activity

These effects help patients with PAD walk longer distances without pain.

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📌 Indications and Uses

Cilostazol 50mg is prescribed for:

• Intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

• Improvement of pain-free walking distance

• Occasionally used as an adjunct therapy in stroke prevention (off-label, with caution)

• Antiplatelet therapy in select cardiovascular or cerebrovascular conditions (under specialist care)

It is not meant to be used for immediate relief of leg pain but works gradually over several weeks of consistent use.

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• Standard adult dose: 50mg twice daily, ideally 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals

• Maximum benefit is usually observed after 2 to 4 weeks, with full effect in 12 weeks

• Should be taken regularly as prescribed, even if symptoms initially persist

Dose adjustments may be required for patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

Contraindicated in:

• Patients with heart failure of any severity (risk of increased mortality)

• History of bleeding disorders or recent stroke

• Severe renal or liver dysfunction

Use with caution in:

• Patients with arrhythmias

• Those on other antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy

• Elderly patients or those with unstable angina

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Headache

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Palpitations or fast heartbeat

Less common:

• Nausea or stomach upset

• Edema (swelling in legs)

• Rash or allergic skin reactions

Serious (rare):

• Severe bleeding

• Irregular heart rhythm

• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

Report any chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual bruising or bleeding immediately.

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🔄 Drug Interactions

• Increased effects when taken with:

  • Aspirin, clopidogrel (monitor for bleeding)

  • Erythromycin, ketoconazole (CYP3A4 inhibitors – may raise Cilostazol levels)

• Reduced effectiveness with CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin

• Avoid grapefruit juice (may increase side effects)

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at 15–30°C, in a dry place, away from sunlight

• Keep in original packaging

• Keep out of reach of children

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📝 Conclusion

Cilostazol 50mg tablet offers a specialized approach for patients suffering from intermittent claudication due to PAD by combining vascular dilation and antiplatelet action. It improves quality of life by enhancing walking ability without increasing cardiovascular risk—when used carefully in appropriate patients. Regular use under medical supervision ensures safe, gradual improvement in leg circulation and mobility.

Note: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.