Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 50 mg of cilostazol, a quinolinone derivative that inhibits phosphodiesterase III (PDE III).

Inactive Ingredients: Common excipients include carboxymethylcellulose calcium, corn starch, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. For a complete list, consult the specific product’s prescribing information or pharmacist.

Appearance: White to off-white, round, flat-faced, bevelled-edge tablets, typically debossed with markings such as “APO” on one side and “CIL” over “50” on the other, or “cor” over “158” on one side. The approximate diameter is 7 mm.

Therapeutic Use: Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor indicated for the reduction of symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition caused by peripheral arterial disease (Fontaine stage II). It improves maximal and pain-free walking distances in patients without rest pain or peripheral tissue necrosis. It is a second-line treatment for patients where lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, supervised exercise) and other interventions have not sufficiently alleviated symptoms.

Mechanism of Action: Cilostazol acts as an antiplatelet agent and vasodilator. It inhibits PDE III, increasing cyclic AMP levels, which leads to vasodilation and reduced platelet aggregation. This improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the legs, reducing muscle pain during walking.

Dosage and Administration:

• The recommended dose is 100 mg twice daily, taken orally on an empty stomach (at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner).
• A reduced dose of 50 mg twice daily is recommended when co-administered with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem) or CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, fluconazole, ticlopidine) to avoid increased plasma concentrations.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not take with grapefruit juice, as it may increase cilostazol levels by approximately 50% due to CYP3A4 inhibition.

Storage: Store at controlled room temperature, 20–25°C (68–77°F), with excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep in a tight container, protected from light, and out of reach of children. No special storage conditions are required.