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Pletal Side Effects

Generic name: cilostazol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 5, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Pletal Side Effects associated with cilostazol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Pletal.

Applies to cilostazol: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Cilostazol is contraindicated in congestive heart failure of any severity.

Cilostazol and many of its metabolites inhibit phosphodiesterase III.

Several drugs with this pharmacologic effect have resulted in decreased survival compared with placebo in patients with class III to IV congestive heart failure.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. If you feel that this medicine is not working, do not stop taking it on your own. Instead, check with your doctor.

Cilostazol can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might have a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse, fainting, or palpitations with this medicine.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If this problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Cilostazol may cause heart problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest pain or tightness, decreased urine output, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, troubled breathing, or weight gain.

Smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes, may worsen your condition. It contains nicotine which may further narrow blood vessels and may also affect how this medicine works. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Pletal

Along with its needed effects, cilostazol (the active ingredient contained in Pletal) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cilostazol:

More common side effects

  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever

Less common side effects

  • abnormal bleeding
  • bloody or black tarry stools
  • bruises or red spots on the skin
  • fainting
  • nausea, heartburn, or indigestion (severe or continuing)
  • nosebleeds
  • stiff neck
  • stomach pain, cramping, or burning (severe)
  • swelling of the tongue
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Incidence not known

  • bleeding gums
  • bleeding tendency
  • blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • confusion
  • cough or hoarseness
  • coughing up blood
  • dark urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with breathing
  • drowsiness
  • fever with or without chills
  • general feeling of tiredness or weakness
  • headache, sudden and severe
  • inability to speak
  • itching of the eyes
  • itching of the skin
  • joint or muscle pain
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of consciousness
  • lower back or side pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, irritated eyes
  • seizures
  • skin rash
  • slurred speech
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • stomach pain
  • swollen glands
  • temporary blindness
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe
  • weakness of part of the body
  • yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking cilostazol:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Pletal

Some side effects of cilostazol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • back pain
  • dizziness
  • gas
  • headache
  • increased cough
  • pain or stiffness in the muscles
  • pounding heartbeat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sore throat
  • swelling of the arms or legs

Less common

Incidence not known

  • bruising
  • feeling of warmth
  • pain
  • redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cilostazol: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequent adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of therapy were headache, palpitation, and diarrhea.[Ref]

Nervous system

Gastrointestinal

Immunologic

Respiratory

Cardiovascular

Other

Metabolic

Ocular

Dermatologic

Hematologic

Genitourinary

Renal

Psychiatric

Hepatic

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Pletal (cilostazol)." Otsuka American Pharmaceuticals Inc

Further information

Pletal side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.