Buy Cilostazol Online in New Zealand | All Statins New Zealand

Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor with vasodilatory and antiplatelet effects. It inhibits phosphodiesterase-3, increasing intracellular cAMP in vascular smooth muscle and platelets, and is primarily indicated for the relief of intermittent claudication secondary to peripheral arterial disease.

Overview of Cilostazol and its drug class

Cilostazol belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitors. It produces vasodilation in peripheral arteries and reduces platelet aggregation by elevating intracellular cAMP, yielding a combined vasodilatory and antiplatelet effect.

The oral formulation is typically dosed twice daily. Following absorption, hepatic metabolism occurs primarily via CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, with active and inactive metabolites excreted in urine and feces; the apparent half-life is about 11 to 13 hours.

How it compares to related substances in the same class

Other PDE3 inhibitors include milrinone and enoximone. These agents are mainly used intravenously for acute heart failure and provide inotropic as well as vasodilatory effects. They are not indicated for chronic claudication.

Nonselective PDE inhibitors such as dipyridamole and pentoxifylline are used in vascular disorders with different efficacy and safety profiles. Dipyridamole acts as an antiplatelet and vasodilator; pentoxifylline improves red cell deformability and walking distance in selected patients, but evidence is variable.

Therapeutic uses

Cilostazol is approved to improve pain-free walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication due to peripheral arterial disease. It may be considered when supervised exercise and risk-factor modification do not provide adequate symptom relief.

The agent is not recommended for patients with symptomatic heart failure or significant bradyarrhythmias. Initiation requires cardiovascular assessment and ongoing monitoring for efficacy and tolerability.

Key differences from similar medications

The table below contrasts cilostazol with two alternative agents used for vascular symptoms.

Safety profile summary

Common adverse effects include headache, dizziness, palpitations, diarrhea, and flushing. The antiplatelet action carries a bleeding risk, particularly with concomitant anticoagulants or other antiplatelet therapies.

Cilostazol is contraindicated in patients with heart failure. It interacts with strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, which can alter drug exposure and may require dose adjustments. Use in pregnancy is not well established and requires careful benefit–risk evaluation.