Cilostazol 50 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Cilostazol Summary 

Cilostazol is an antiplatelet and blood vessel-widening medicine used to treat the symptoms of leg pain caused due to poor blood flow in the region (intermittent claudication). People with blood disorders, cardiovascular disorders, or any allergy to this medicine should avoid taking this medicine. Also avoid taking grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice because you may have an increased risk of side effects from cilostazol. Also, the risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking cilostazol. Taking the medicine at the same time every day helps it work better. 

Cilostazol Uses 

Cilostazol is an antiplatelet commonly used to reduce the symptoms of intermittent claudication. This condition is caused by poor blood circulation in the legs. 

Directions for use

1. If you forget to take cilostazol, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 
2. Take cilostazol exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.  
3. Do not stop taking cilostazol without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.

Cilostazol side effects 

More Common  

1. Headache 
2. Diarrhea 
3. Abnormal stools  
4. Feeling of skipped heart beats 

Less Common

1. Breathing problems or wheezing 
2. Racing heart 
3. Fever or general ill feeling 
4. Swollen lymph nodes 
5. Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat 
6. Trouble swallowing or throat tightness 
7. Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives 
8. Nausea or vomiting 
9. Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting 
10. Stomach cramps 
11. Joint pain 

How Cilostazol works 

Cilostazol helps improve blood flow by preventing blood clots and widening blood vessels. This reduces leg pain that happens during walking in people with poor circulation. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Severe Allergic Reactions

Avoid cilostazol if you have any allergic symptoms like breathing problems or wheezing, racing heart, fever or general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing or throat tightness 

Heart Problems

Avoid cilostazol if you have heart conditions, as it may worsen them by causing irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, or palpitations. 

Blood Disorders

Avoid cilostazol if you have any blood disorders as it can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low platelet levels, and low white blood cell levels. 

Cilostazol Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking cilostazol with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Cilostazol Interaction with Food Product

Take cilostazol 30 minutes before you eat or 2 hours after you eat. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice because you may have an increased risk of side effects from cilostazol. Also, avoid consuming alcohol with this medication as the risk of dizziness may increase. 

Storage

1. Keep out of reach of children 
2. Store the medicine at room temperature 
3. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 

Cilostazol Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

6-[4-(1-cyclohexyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)butoxy]-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take cilostazol exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Cilostazol should not exceed more than 100 mg/day. Symptoms for overdosing include dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Immediate medical support is needed in case of any emergency. 

FAQ’s

What are the uses of cilostazol 50 mg ? 

50 mg of cilostazol is used to treat intermittent claudication due to peripheral vascular disease. 

What are the side effects of cilostazol tablets IP 50 mg ? 

Side effects of cilostazol include headache, diarrhea, abnormal stools, feeling of skipped heart beats. 

What is the mechanism of action of cilostazol 50 mg ? 

Cilostazol 50 mg helps improve blood flow by stopping platelets from clumping together and relaxing blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to move through the body, which helps reduce leg pain caused by poor circulation (intermittent claudication). 

What is cilostazol 50 mg class? 

Cilostazol 50 mg comes under antiplatelet agent, phosphodiesterase (PDE) III inhibitors. 

Reference 

1. Cilostazol (oral route) [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 12]. Available from 
2. Cilostazol: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 12]. Available from 
3. https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom. Cilostazol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 12]. Available from 
4. PubChem. Cilostazol [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
5. Cilostazol [Internet]. go.drugbank.com. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.