Buy Pletal
Pletal
Pletal Properties
About Pletal
Pletal (cilostazol) is a prescription-only medication approved in Australia for the treatment of intermittent claudication associated with peripheral arterial disease. As a phosphodiesterase-III inhibitor, it works by widening blood vessels and reducing platelet aggregation, helping improve walking distance and quality of life for adults with reduced blood flow to the legs. The drug is supplied as oral tablets in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths and is marketed under the brand name Pletal, manufactured by Bayer. While its primary indication is vascular, clinicians sometimes consider it for other circulatory conditions, though such uses remain off-label in Australia.
What is Pletal?
Pletal belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors and is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a Schedule 4 prescription medicine. First approved in the early 2000s, the product contains the active ingredient cilostazol, a synthetic quinolinone derivative that exerts both vasodilatory and antiplatelet effects. Bayer, a globally recognised pharmaceutical company, markets Pletal in Australia, and the brand is available only with a valid prescription from a qualified prescriber. The medication is supplied as film-coated tablets, each containing either 50 mg or 100 mg of cilostazol.
How Pletal Works
Cilostazol inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase-III, which normally breaks down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in vascular smooth-muscle cells and platelets. By preventing this degradation, Pletal raises intracellular cAMP levels, leading to two key therapeutic actions:
- Vasodilation: Elevated cAMP relaxes smooth-muscle cells, widening peripheral arteries and improving blood flow to the lower limbs. This effect reduces the pain and fatigue that limit walking distance in intermittent claudication.
- Antiplatelet activity: Higher cAMP in platelets diminishes their ability to aggregate, lowering the risk of micro-thrombus formation that can further restrict arterial perfusion.
Pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers show that peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2 hours after oral dosing, with a terminal half-life of approximately 11 hours. Cilostazol is extensively metabolised by the hepatic enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, and its metabolites retain pharmacological activity. Food modestly delays absorption but does not significantly alter overall exposure, allowing flexibility in dosing relative to meals.
Why Pletal is Used for Cardiology Conditions
- Intermittent claudication (primary indication): The vasodilatory effect directly counters the reduced arterial lumen that causes leg pain during exertion. Clinical trials demonstrate a 30-40 % increase in maximal walking distance after 12 weeks of therapy, positioning Pletal as a first-line pharmacologic option in Australian guidelines for peripheral arterial disease.
- Secondary prevention of restenosis after peripheral angioplasty: Small studies suggest that cilostazol’s antiplatelet properties may reduce neointimal hyperplasia, lowering the likelihood of vessel re-narrowing after endovascular procedures.
- Adjunct in chronic heart failure (investigational): Early-phase research indicates modest improvements in cardiac output due to systemic vasodilation, though larger trials are lacking and the indication is not approved.
- Potential benefit in cerebral small-vessel disease: Observational data link cilostazol use with reduced progression of white-matter lesions, but evidence remains preliminary.
In each case, the drug’s dual mechanism aligns with the pathophysiology of impaired blood flow, making it a logical choice when lifestyle modification and exercise therapy alone are insufficient.
Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Pletal
Some clinicians explore cilostazol for stroke secondary prevention, especially in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis. Randomised trials in East Asian populations have reported lower recurrence rates compared with aspirin, yet the Australian TGA has not approved this use. Small pilot studies also examine its role in diabetic foot ulcer healing, attributing benefits to enhanced microcirculation. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, and patients must be fully informed of the limited evidence base.
Is Pletal Right for You?
Pletal is most appropriate for adults with symptomatic intermittent claudication who have not achieved adequate relief from supervised exercise programmes or risk-factor optimisation. The medication is contraindicated in patients with severe heart failure (NYHA class III-IV), recent myocardial infarction, or uncontrolled hypertension, and it should be avoided in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to cilostazol or any component of the tablet. Dose adjustment is generally unnecessary in mild to moderate hepatic impairment, but severe liver disease may increase exposure and warrants caution. Pregnancy and lactation are contraindications because animal studies have shown fetal toxicity; women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception. Elderly patients tolerate the drug similarly to younger adults, though renal function should be assessed because accumulation of metabolites can occur in severe renal impairment.
Taking Pletal Effectively
Pletal is taken orally, usually twice daily, with or without food. Consistency in timing helps maintain steady plasma levels; for example, a 100 mg dose in the morning and a 50 mg dose in the evening. If a dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 8 hours away, the missed tablet should be taken; otherwise, it is safer to skip it and resume the regular schedule to avoid double-dosing. Alcohol can potentiate the vasodilatory effect and may increase the risk of dizziness, so moderate consumption is advisable. When travelling, keep tablets in their original packaging to avoid customs issues and ensure a sufficient supply for the duration of the trip, as refills may require a new prescription from an Australian prescriber.
Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them
The most common adverse events-headache, palpitations, and diarrhoea-are linked to the drug’s vasodilatory action and increased intestinal motility from elevated cAMP. Simple measures such as adequate hydration, a low-fat diet, and over-the-counter antidiarrhoeal agents can mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort. Headaches often respond to acetaminophen; however, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used cautiously because they may increase bleeding risk when combined with cilostazol’s antiplatelet effect. Less frequent but serious reactions include tachyarrhythmias, angina, and severe allergic responses. Patients experiencing chest pain, rapid heartbeats, or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., swelling of the face or throat) should seek emergency medical care immediately. Routine monitoring of liver enzymes and complete blood counts is recommended during the first three months of therapy to detect rare hepatic or hematologic complications early.
Buying Pletal from Our Online Pharmacy
Why Choose Our Service?
Access to Pletal can be challenging in remote Australian regions where specialist vascular clinics are scarce. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, delivering the medication directly to your doorstep while maintaining the confidentiality you expect.
Quality & Safety
We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks, ensuring each batch of Pletal meets the quality standards set by the TGA and WHO.
Pricing & Access
Because we source the medication through verified channels, we can offer competitive pricing that often undercuts traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Bulk ordering and a lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders further reduce the financial burden for long-term users.
Discreet Delivery
Orders are packaged in unbranded, tamper-evident containers. Express shipping typically arrives within 7 days, while standard delivery is completed within 3 weeks, both with tracking to keep you informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can Pletal be taken with other blood thinners? Combining cilostazol with anticoagulants such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk. Your prescriber should evaluate the necessity of dual therapy and may adjust doses accordingly.
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What should I do if I experience a persistent headache? A mild headache is common during the first two weeks as the body adapts. Over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol are usually sufficient; however, if the pain worsens or is accompanied by visual changes, contact your healthcare provider.
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Is it safe to drink alcohol while on Pletal? Moderate alcohol intake is not prohibited, but excessive consumption may amplify vasodilatory effects, leading to dizziness or hypotension. Limit intake and stay hydrated.
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How long will I need to stay on Pletal? Treatment duration varies. Many patients continue therapy as long as symptomatic benefit persists and no adverse effects develop. Periodic review every 6-12 months helps determine ongoing need.
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Can Peliac be used for stroke prevention? Although some studies suggest a benefit in specific subgroups, cilostazol is not approved for stroke prevention in Australia. Use for this purpose remains off-label and should only occur under specialist supervision.
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What is the difference between the 50 mg and 100 mg tablets? The two strengths allow dose titration based on tolerability and therapeutic response. A common regimen starts with 50 mg twice daily, escalating to 100 mg twice daily if the lower dose is well tolerated.
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Will Pletal affect my blood sugar levels? Cilostazol does not have a direct impact on glucose metabolism, but any medication that alters circulation can influence exercise capacity, indirectly affecting glycaemic control. Monitor blood sugar as usual.
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Is Pletal safe for people with mild kidney disease? Mild to moderate renal impairment does not usually require dose adjustment, but severe renal failure can lead to accumulation of active metabolites. Discuss kidney function with your prescriber before initiating therapy.
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Can I switch from a generic cilostazol to Pletal? Both the brand and generic formulations contain the same active ingredient and are bioequivalent. Switching is acceptable, though some patients report differences in tolerability due to excipients. Consult your pharmacist if you experience new symptoms after a switch.
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What should I do if I miss a dose? If the next scheduled dose is more than 8 hours away, take the missed tablet; otherwise, skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule to avoid double-dosing.
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Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Pletal? No specific foods are prohibited, but a balanced diet low in saturated fat supports overall vascular health and may enhance the medication’s effectiveness.
Glossary
- Phosphodiesterase-III inhibitor
- A class of drugs that block the enzyme responsible for breaking down cAMP, leading to vasodilation and reduced platelet aggregation.
- cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)
- A second messenger molecule that mediates smooth-muscle relaxation and inhibits platelet activation when its intracellular concentration rises.
- Intermittent claudication
- Leg pain caused by insufficient blood flow during exercise, commonly seen in peripheral arterial disease.
- Neointimal hyperplasia
- The proliferation of smooth-muscle cells within the inner layer of a blood vessel, often leading to restenosis after angioplasty.
- Bioequivalence
- A regulatory standard indicating that two drug products release the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream at a similar rate.
Disclaimer
The information provided about Pletal is for general knowledge only and does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions, including those regarding off-label use, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Pletal for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.
