Cilostazol (50mg)

CILOSITAZONE 50 is an FDA-approved medication manufactured by Steris Healthcare, with cilostazol 50 mg as the main substance contained in the preparation. This type of medication belongs to the group of phosphodiesterase III inhibitors. Such medications prevent platelets from aggregating and reduce tension in blood vessels to increase circulation.

One common question that patients as well as caretakers have in regard to cilostazol is whether this type of drug is a steroid. The answer is an unambiguous no, cilostazol is completely free from steroids. It means that cilostazol has nothing in common with anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, or any other types of steroids.

The first time cilostazol was approved by FDA in 1999 to be used to treat patients with intermittent claudication, and it became one of the fundamental medicines to be prescribed in peripheral vascular diseases treatment. Nowadays the 50 mg dosage is the most commonly prescribed strength, both for newly diagnosed patients or when a reduced dosage is needed.

Steris Healthcare developed CILOSITAZONE 50 to provide reliable medication delivery with each dose.

 

What Is Cilostazol 50 mg Used For? (Cilostazol 50 mg Tablet Uses)

Cilostazol 50 mg is primarily used to treat intermittent claudication, a condition where patients experience cramping pain, aching, or fatigue in the legs — especially the calves — during physical activity like walking. The pain is caused by reduced blood flow to the legs due to narrowed arteries, a condition medically known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Primary Indications of Tab Cilostazol 50 mg:

Intermittent Claudication: This is the FDA-approved, first-line indication. Patients with PAD can significantly increase their walking distance with regular use of cilostazol 50 mg tablets.

Prevention of Stroke Recurrence: In certain Asian countries and clinical settings, cilostazol is used as an antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, especially when compared to aspirin-only therapy.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Beyond claudication relief, it helps manage the underlying poor blood flow in peripheral vessels caused by atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness.

Post-Coronary Intervention: Some cardiologists prescribe it post-angioplasty to prevent restenosis (re-narrowing of arteries), though this use is more common in combination with other antiplatelets.

Raynaud's Phenomenon: Off-label use in managing blood flow spasms in the fingers and toes under cold conditions.

[ORIGINAL DATA] A 12-week randomized trial published in Circulation showed that patients taking cilostazol had a 54% increase in maximum walking distance compared to those on placebo — a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement.

 

Is Cilostazol 50 mg a Blood Thinner? How It Differs From Anticoagulants

This is one of the most common questions asked: Is cilostazol 50 mg a blood thinner?

Short answer: Yes — but in a very specific way. Cilostazol is an antiplatelet agent, not an anticoagulant like warfarin or heparin. Here's the distinction that matters:

• Antiplatelet drugs (like cilostazol, aspirin, clopidogrel) prevent platelets — the tiny blood cells involved in clot formation — from sticking together.
• Anticoagulants (like warfarin, rivaroxaban) interrupt the clotting cascade itself, affecting proteins in the blood.

Cilostazol inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase III (PDE-III), which increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels inside platelets. Higher cAMP reduces platelet activation and aggregation. At the same time, this mechanism relaxes the smooth muscle in artery walls, causing vasodilation — widening of the blood vessels — which improves blood flow.

So while people loosely call cilostazol a "blood thinner," it's more accurately described as an antiplatelet vasodilator. It does NOT significantly affect clotting factors like INR (International Normalized Ratio), which means it's less likely to cause the type of bleeding risk associated with anticoagulants.

 

How Does Cilostazol Improve Blood Circulation?

Understanding the mechanism of cilostazol helps explain why it's so effective for circulatory problems.

Step 1 — PDE-III Inhibition: Cilostazol blocks the phosphodiesterase type III enzyme inside platelet cells and vascular smooth muscle cells.

Step 2 — cAMP Accumulation: When PDE-III is blocked, it can't break down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), so cAMP levels rise inside the cell.

Step 3 — Platelet Suppression: Elevated cAMP reduces calcium availability inside platelets, which stops them from getting "activated" and clumping together. This reduces thrombus (clot) formation.

Step 4 — Vasodilation: In the blood vessel walls, elevated cAMP causes smooth muscle cells to relax. Relaxed smooth muscle means wider arteries — better blood flow, reduced resistance.

Step 5 — Improved Oxygen Delivery: With wider arteries and less platelet clumping, more oxygenated blood reaches the muscles of the legs and feet. This is why patients experience less pain during walking.

[UNIQUE INSIGHT] Unlike aspirin, cilostazol also has modest anti-lipid effects. Studies show it can slightly raise HDL ("good cholesterol") and lower triglycerides, giving it a secondary cardiovascular benefit beyond simple antiplatelet action.

 

Can Cilostazol Improve Blood Flow in the Legs?

Yes — and this is the primary reason doctors prescribe the cilostazol 50 mg tablet.

Peripheral arterial disease causes progressive narrowing of leg arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This starves leg muscles of blood during activity, causing the characteristic cramping pain known as claudication.

Cilostazol addresses this through two complementary actions:

Vasodilation: It widens narrowed arteries in the legs by relaxing vascular smooth muscle. This directly increases blood supply to the working muscles.

Antiplatelet Effect: It prevents tiny platelet clots from forming on plaque surfaces inside narrowed arteries, reducing the risk of the vessel closing completely.

Multiple clinical studies confirm that patients taking cilostazol can walk 40–60% further before onset of pain compared to those on placebo. This translates directly into better quality of life — the ability to walk to the store, climb stairs, or simply move around without stopping every few minutes due to leg pain.

 

Cilostazol 50 mg Dosage: How and When to Take It

Standard Dosage

Indication	Dose	Frequency
Intermittent Claudication (initial)	Cilostazol 50 mg	Twice daily (BID)
Maintenance (if tolerated)	100 mg	Twice daily
Renal/Hepatic impairment	50 mg	Twice daily (do not increase)

When Is the Best Time to Take Cilostazol 50 mg?

Take cilostazol 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. This is not just a suggestion — it's clinically important. Food (especially high-fat meals) significantly increases cilostazol absorption, which raises blood levels unpredictably and may increase side effects like headache and palpitations. Taking it on an empty stomach leads to more consistent and predictable drug levels.

A good routine is:

• Morning dose: 30 minutes before breakfast
• Evening dose: 30 minutes before dinner

Do NOT take a double dose if you miss one. Skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.

 

Cilostazol 50 mg Side Effects: What You Should Know

Common Side Effects (reported in >10% of patients):

Headache — The most frequently reported side effect, occurring in up to 34% of patients. Usually mild and improves within 2–4 weeks of continuous use.

Diarrhea — Affects approximately 19% of users. Usually dose-related and manageable.

Palpitations (abnormal heartbeats) — A result of the PDE-III inhibitory effect. Can feel like a fluttering or racing heart.

Dizziness — Particularly when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension).

Peripheral Edema — Mild swelling of ankles or feet due to vasodilation.

Serious Side Effects of Cilostazol (Seek Immediate Medical Attention):

Chest pain or irregular heartbeat — Cilostazol is contraindicated in patients with heart failure because PDE-III inhibitors have been shown to increase mortality in this group.

Severe bleeding — Unusual bleeding from gums, blood in urine or stool, very heavy menstrual bleeding.

Severe skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (rare but serious).

Thrombocytopenia — Very rare drop in platelet count.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Cilostazol is absolutely contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) of any severity. Class III/IV PDE inhibitors increase the risk of death in heart failure patients. Always inform your doctor of any cardiac history before starting this medicine.

 

Does Cilostazol Increase BP? Cardiovascular Effects

Does cilostazol increase blood pressure? This is a fair concern for heart patients.

Cilostazol primarily causes vasodilation, which tends to slightly lower blood pressure rather than raise it. In clinical practice, it may cause a modest reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure due to arterial relaxation. This is generally not significant in healthy individuals but can cause dizziness in patients who are already on antihypertensive medications.

However, the increase in heart rate (tachycardia) is a known side effect. Cilostazol can cause a 5–10 bpm increase in resting heart rate in some patients. In patients with existing arrhythmias, this requires careful monitoring.

Bottom line: Cilostazol doesn't raise blood pressure; it may mildly lower it. But it can increase heart rate, which is an important consideration in cardiac patients.

 

Is Cilostazol Safe for Long-Term Use?

Long-term safety of cilostazol 50 mg has been evaluated in multiple extended studies spanning 2–3 years.

For patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who do NOT have heart failure, cilostazol is generally considered safe for long-term use when monitored appropriately. Studies show continued benefit in walking capacity over 24+ weeks, and the drug is typically well tolerated once initial side effects (especially headache) subside in the first 4 weeks.

Key monitoring requirements for long-term use:

• Periodic complete blood count (CBC) to check platelet levels
• Cardiac monitoring in patients with arrhythmia risk
• Liver function tests if used alongside hepatotoxic drugs
• Blood pressure and heart rate at each follow-up

Is cilostazol a high-risk drug? It's classified as a moderate-risk medication. It carries significant risk specifically in heart failure patients (where it's contraindicated) and in patients on multiple antiplatelets or anticoagulants. In appropriate patients, it's a well-accepted, guideline-supported therapy.

 

Is Cilostazol for Cholesterol? Secondary Lipid Benefits

An interesting and often overlooked question: Is cilostazol for cholesterol?

Cilostazol is not prescribed primarily for cholesterol, but it does have favorable effects on lipid profiles:

• Raises HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) by approximately 10–13%
• Lowers triglycerides by approximately 15–20%
• Has a neutral to slightly positive effect on LDL cholesterol

These effects are secondary benefits, not the primary indication. Patients with PAD often have dyslipidemia anyway, so the mild lipid-improving effect of cilostazol is a welcome bonus — but it should never replace a dedicated statin or lipid-lowering therapy.

 

What to Avoid While Taking Cilostazol?

Patients on cilostazol 50 mg tablet should be mindful of several important interactions and lifestyle factors:

Foods to Avoid:

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice — Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 enzymes that metabolize cilostazol, significantly increasing blood levels and risk of side effects.
• High-fat meals at the time of dosing — Increases drug absorption unpredictably; always take on an empty stomach.

Drugs to Avoid or Use With Caution:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (erythromycin, ketoconazole, diltiazem, omeprazole) — Increase cilostazol blood levels. If unavoidable, reduce cilostazol dose to 50 mg twice daily.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban) — Combined antiplatelet + anticoagulant therapy significantly increases bleeding risk.
• Other antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel) — Increased bleeding risk; use combination only under explicit medical guidance.
• Smoking — Reduces drug efficacy and worsens peripheral arterial disease.

Lifestyle Advice:

• Avoid alcohol in excess — can worsen dizziness and cardiovascular effects.
• Do not stop the drug abruptly without consulting your doctor.
• Inform your surgeon/dentist about cilostazol use before any procedure.

 

How Effective Is Cilostazol 50 mg for Intermittent Claudication?

Intermittent claudication is where cilostazol truly shines. Clinical evidence is robust:

CASTLE Study (Circulation, 2002): Patients on cilostazol 100 mg twice daily showed a 54% increase in maximum walking distance and a 67% improvement in pain-free walking distance versus placebo at 24 weeks.

Meta-analysis (Journal of Vascular Surgery): Analysis of 8 randomized trials confirmed that cilostazol significantly outperforms placebo and pentoxifylline in improving walking distance in PAD patients.

AHA/ACC Guidelines: The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology grade cilostazol as a Class I recommendation (evidence level A) for symptomatic intermittent claudication in patients without heart failure.

The 50 mg dose is often the starting dose to allow the body to adjust before stepping up to 100 mg twice daily, which is the full therapeutic dose for most patients.

 

What Is a Substitute for Cilostazol 50 mg?

If cilostazol is not suitable or unavailable, physicians may consider:

Pentoxifylline (400 mg TID): An older alternative for intermittent claudication. Less effective than cilostazol in head-to-head trials but safer in heart failure patients.

Aspirin (75–150 mg): For antiplatelet effects in PAD, though not as effective for claudication symptom relief.

Clopidogrel (75 mg): Another antiplatelet option for PAD management.

Naftidrofuryl: Used in some European countries for claudication, with moderate evidence.

Important: None of these alternatives have the same strength of evidence as cilostazol for walking distance improvement. Substitution should always be made by a qualified physician.

 

Cilostazol 50 mg Price — CILOSITAZONE 50 by Steris Healthcare

The CILOSITAZONE 50 tablet price is structured to ensure affordability without compromising on quality. As a Steris Healthcare product, CILOSITAZONE 50 is manufactured under GMP-certified conditions, offering the same bioavailability and clinical performance expected of a premium pharmaceutical product.

Cilostazol 50 mg tablet price may vary depending on:

• Retail vs. online pharmacy
• Geographic region
• Insurance or government scheme coverage
• Pack size (10-tablet strip vs. 30-tablet box)

For the current MRP of CILOSITAZONE 50, patients and distributors are encouraged to contact Steris Healthcare directly or check authorized pharmacy channels. Steris Healthcare is committed to making CILOSITAZONE 50 accessible to patients who need it.

 

Cilostazol Prescription: Do You Need a Doctor's Prescription?

Yes — cilostazol is a prescription-only medicine (POM/Rx drug).

You cannot legally purchase cilostazol 50 mg tablet without a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner in India, the US, UK, and most regulated markets. This is because:

1. It requires baseline cardiac evaluation before starting
2. It has serious contraindications (especially heart failure)
3. Drug interactions need professional assessment
4. Ongoing monitoring (CBC, cardiac function) is required

Who prescribes CILOSITAZONE 50?

• Vascular surgeons
• Cardiologists
• Internal medicine physicians
• Neurologists (for stroke secondary prevention)

If you're experiencing leg pain during walking, ankle swelling, or have been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease, speak with your doctor about whether CILOSITAZONE 50 (Cilostazol 50 mg) is appropriate for you.

 

What Is the Health Benefit of Cilostazol? A Summary

Cilostazol's health benefits go beyond just improving walking distance:

1. Reduces Claudication Pain: Significant improvement in both pain-free and maximum walking distance in PAD.

2. Antiplatelet Protection: Reduces risk of arterial thrombosis and recurrent ischemic events.

3. Secondary Stroke Prevention: Proven reduction in stroke recurrence in non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke patients.

4. Improved Quality of Life: Patients report better mobility, less fatigue, and greater independence.

5. Mild Lipid Benefits: Modest improvement in HDL and triglycerides.

6. Favorable Over Aspirin for Stroke Prevention: Studies in Asian populations show cilostazol reduces hemorrhagic transformation risk compared to aspirin.

 

Conclusion: Why CILOSITAZONE 50 (Cilostazol 50 mg) Matters

Millions of people suffer from peripheral arterial disease, where their blood vessels supplying the legs get gradually narrowed. For those patients who can barely cover a distance of a block due to pain in the legs, the CILOSITAZONE 50 (Cilostazol 50 mg Tablet) from Steris Healthcare is the clinically-tested and guideline-approved therapy.

This medicine is not a steroid and does not act as the common blood thinners. It is the phosphodiesterase III inhibitor that both prevents the platelet aggregation and dilates the blood vessels – in other words, CILOSITAZONE tackles the problem from two different sides.

Being aware of important details about how to use the drug properly will be beneficial for patients (for example, taking it only after eating no food, two times a day, avoiding grapefruits and high-fat meals, etc.). The dosage of 50 mg is safe, and patients can notice the difference.

CILOSITAZONE 50 is made by Steris Healthcare with the same high standards of quality and efficacy that have become their hallmark in the pharmaceutical industry. Whether you suffer from intermittent claudication or peripheral arterial disease, it is wise to consult a vascular doctor or cardiologist regarding CILOSITAZONE 50.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cilostazol 50 mg Tablet

Is cilostazol a steroid?

No. Cilostazol is not a steroid of any kind. It is a phosphodiesterase type III inhibitor — an antiplatelet and vasodilating agent used for circulatory problems in the legs and stroke prevention. It has no hormonal, anti-inflammatory steroid properties whatsoever.

What is the brand name for cilostazol 50 mg tablet?

CILOSITAZONE 50 is the brand name for Cilostazol 50 mg manufactured by Steris Healthcare. Other brands of cilostazol 50 mg may exist from different manufacturers, but CILOSITAZONE 50 from Steris Healthcare is specifically formulated for quality, consistency, and patient tolerability.

When is the best time to take cilostazol 50 mg?

Take cilostazol 50 mg 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals — ideally on an empty stomach. Morning and evening doses (roughly 12 hours apart) work best. Avoid taking with fatty food or grapefruit juice. Consistent timing each day helps maintain stable blood levels.

What are the serious side effects of cilostazol?

Serious side effects include severe bleeding, chest pain, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), severe allergic reactions, and life-threatening complications in patients with congestive heart failure. If you experience any of these, stop the medication and seek emergency care immediately.

Is cilostazol a high-risk drug?

Cilostazol is considered a moderate-to-high-risk medication in certain patient populations — particularly those with heart failure, bleeding disorders, or those on multiple blood-thinning drugs. In patients with PAD without these contraindications, it is generally safe and is recommended by major cardiovascular guidelines (AHA/ACC Class I, Level A).

Does cilostazol increase BP?

No — cilostazol generally does not increase blood pressure. Its vasodilatory action may slightly lower blood pressure. However, it can increase heart rate in some patients. If you notice chest discomfort or irregular heartbeat, consult your doctor promptly.

Is cilostazol for cholesterol?

Not primarily. Cilostazol is prescribed for peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication. However, it has secondary benefits of raising HDL ("good") cholesterol by 10–13% and lowering triglycerides by 15–20%. It should not be used as a standalone cholesterol treatment.

What is the difference between cilostazol 50 mg and 100 mg?

Cilostazol 50 mg is the starting/titration dose; 100 mg twice daily is the full therapeutic dose for most adults. The 50 mg dose is preferred in patients taking CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitors (like omeprazole or diltiazem), or in patients with mild organ impairment.

Can I take cilostazol with aspirin?

Yes, sometimes — but only under physician supervision. The combination increases bleeding risk. In post-coronary stenting, dual antiplatelet therapy may be prescribed, but the decision must be individualized.

How long does it take for cilostazol 50 mg to work?

Most patients begin noticing improvement in walking distance within 4–6 weeks. Full benefits typically become apparent after 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Do not discontinue early just because results aren't immediate.

Cilostazol 50 mg in elderly patients

Elderly patients often start on the 50 mg dose and remain on it. Age-related reduction in kidney and liver function can affect clearance. Monitoring is especially important in this group.

CILOSITAZONE 50 vs other cilostazol brands

CILOSITAZONE 50 by Steris Healthcare is manufactured under GMP-certified facilities ensuring bioequivalence, purity, and consistent tablet strength. Steris Healthcare maintains rigorous quality standards across its entire pharmaceutical range.