Drug Uses

 

Pletal is a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor that is used to reduce the attack of intermident claudication that happens after walking. Intermident Claudication leads to symptoms like pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness in the foot, hip, thigh, or buttocks.

How it is taken

Pletal can be taken by mouth either 30 minutes before having food or 2 hours after having food.

Avoid taking grapefruit juice completely while taking Pletal. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.

It may take a few weeks for you to notice the effect of the drug. But do not stop taking it. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Pletal is a phosphodiesterase type 3 inhibitor that widens the arteries of the legs. It also prevents platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots in the blood vessels.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Pletal then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

Pletal may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have heart disease.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Pletal and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Pletal is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Periodic lab tests including complete blood cell counts may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are abnormal stools, back pain, bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands, diarrhea, dizziness, feeling of a whirling motion, gas, headache, increased cough, indigestion, infection, muscle aches, nausea, runny nose, sore throat, stomach pain, swelling of the legs and feet. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, fast or irregular heartbeat, pounding in the chest, unusual bruising or bleeding, vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.