Clauter

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Clauter

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Clauter

Quick Facts: Clauter (Cilostazol)

Property Description
Active ingredient Cilostazol
Form Oral tablet
Pharmacological class Platelet-aggregation inhibitor, Vasodilator
Common use Improving peripheral circulation
Origin Synthetic small molecule (quinolinone derivative)

What Type of Medicine is Clauter?

Clauter is a prescription-only pharmaceutical preparation whose active ingredient is Cilostazol, a synthetic compound belonging to the pharmacological class of Phosphodiesterase III Inhibitors (PDE III inhibitors). The substance Cilostazol is chemically identified as a quinolinone derivative, confirming its origin as a synthesized small molecule rather than a naturally derived one. This medicine is defined by its strategic dual action, simultaneously serving as a potent Platelet-aggregation inhibitor and a direct Vasodilator, a mechanism recognized for its ability to modulate the balance between vessel dilation and platelet function. This differentiation from single-mechanism agents establishes Cilostazol as a specialized compound within cardiovascular pharmacology.

Composition and Physical Form of Clauter

Clauter is formulated as a single-ingredient product, containing only the active compound Cilostazol along with pharmaceutical excipients required for stability and ingestion. This medicine is designed exclusively for oral administration and is supplied in the oral tablet dosage form. The established physical form and precise formulation allow the active ingredient to be systematically absorbed to exert its targeted effects on peripheral arteries throughout the circulatory system, a design feature that provides a consistent absorption profile.

What is the General Purpose of Cilostazol?

The general purpose of Cilostazol is to enhance blood flow by reducing the tendency of platelets to aggregate and promoting the necessary relaxation of blood vessel walls. This function is achieved by inhibiting the PDE III enzyme, which leads to increased levels of a cellular messenger that relaxes arteries and suppresses platelet activation. For instance, in individuals experiencing restricted blood flow due to narrowed peripheral arteries, this medicine supports improved circulation. This combined action of blood vessel widening and anti-clotting helps support improved blood circulation in the peripheral areas. This means the drug fundamentally works to mitigate the effects of flow restriction in the peripheral vascular system.

What side effects are possible with Clauter?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Clauter, containing the active substance Cilostazol, is formally classified in regulatory documents according to the frequency and system-organ class of reported effects. These classifications establish the known risk framework for the medicine.


Adverse Reactions and Frequencies

Adverse reactions are grouped by their rate of occurrence, as defined in regulatory labeling. Very Common events (ge 10%) include Headache and Diarrhea.

Common events (ge 1% to < 10%) involve multiple organ systems, including Cardiac Disorders (e.g., Palpitations, Tachycardia), Nervous System Disorders (e.g., Dizziness, Insomnia), and Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., Nausea, Vomiting, Dyspepsia, Abnormal Stools).

Post-marketing reports also include Serious Adverse Reactions, such as various forms of Hemorrhage (e.g., Intracranial Hemorrhage), severe Hematologic Abnormalities (e.g., Agranulocytosis, Aplastic Anemia), and severe Tachyarrhythmias.


Safety Constraints and Restrictions

Regulatory documents define specific situations where Clauter must not be used (contraindications):

  • Heart Failure: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with heart failure of any severity, based on the potential class effect of phosphodiesterase III inhibitors on survival.
  • Organ Impairment: Use is contraindicated in individuals with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance le 25 mL/min) or moderate/severe hepatic impairment.
  • Bleeding and Cardiac Risk: The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a predisposition to bleeding (e.g., active peptic ulceration), recent myocardial infarction (within 6 months), unstable angina, or when receiving two or more additional antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy is contraindicated, and use during breastfeeding is not recommended.

The regulatory structure emphasizes both the common occurrences and the specific, high-risk safety constraints that govern the drug's approved use, establishing the official boundary of its safety profile.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for Clauter overdose is defined by the anticipated consequences of excessive pharmacological action, primarily impacting the cardiovascular system.

Manifestations are expected to be those of excessive pharmacologic effect, including severe headache, diarrhea, and marked hemodynamic changes such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (fast heart rate). Other documented signs include dizziness, fainting, and an irregular heartbeat.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Immediate emergency medical attention is required upon suspicion of overdose. Official government guidance provides clear triggers for when to seek urgent help:

  • If the individual has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, emergency services must be called immediately.
  • If overdose is suspected but critical manifestations are not present, contacting a poison control center or emergency room at once is required.

Official Management Procedures

The overdose scenario is classified as having the potential for severe outcomes, notably cardiac arrhythmias and tachyarrhythmia. Management in a clinical setting is defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Procedural guidance, as listed in the regulatory texts, includes the potential use of induced vomiting or gastric lavage to empty the stomach, as appropriate, before careful observation in a healthcare environment.

Therapeutic Uses of Clauter

What Clauter Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Clauter, containing the active ingredient Cilostazol, is commonly used to provide symptomatic relief for adults experiencing circulatory impairment in the limbs, specifically in the context of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This medicine is primarily relevant for easing the symptoms of intermittent claudication, a condition where poor circulation leads to leg pain that becomes more disruptive during physical exertion.

Clauter is applied across therapeutic domains involving symptoms related to physical discomfort, including pain, cramping, or heaviness in the legs. The core benefit helps address symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress.

“This medicine is relevant for easing symptoms related to physical discomfort that often accompany walking.”

It is generally used in clinical settings marked by the long-term management of chronic vascular restriction, particularly when lifestyle modifications are not providing enough relief. This medication supports the easing of pronounced symptoms, assists with maintaining functional stability and supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.

Quick Fact: Relief for Claudication
Primary Indication: Symptomatic management of Intermittent Claudication.
Therapeutic Benefit: Supports the management of symptoms to improve walking distance.
Context of Use: Applied in Chronic Peripheral Artery Disease management.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Clauter?

The official regulatory labeling strictly defines the population eligibility for Clauter (Cilostazol), focusing on absolute contraindications and use restrictions established by authorities such as the FDA and EMA.

Populations Allowed

Clauter is indicated only for adults experiencing symptomatic intermittent claudication in Peripheral Artery Disease. Eligibility requires that symptoms persist despite the failure of prior lifestyle modifications, such as supervised exercise programs.

Absolute Contraindications (Must Not Use)

Clauter is contraindicated and must not be used in several patient groups, including:

  • Patients with heart failure of any severity.
  • Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipients.
  • Those with active pathologic bleeding or pre-existing hemostatic disorders.
  • Patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction or undergone a coronary intervention (PCI) within the last six months.
  • Patients concurrently taking two or more antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicines.
  • Individuals with severe renal impairment (Creatinine Clearance leq 25 mL/min) or moderate/severe hepatic impairment.

Age and Reproductive Status Restrictions

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication per European regulatory standards. Use in the pediatric population (under 18 years of age) is not established due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy. Use is not recommended during breastfeeding.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Cilostazol, the active ingredient in Clauter, is structured around two primary regulatory constraints: pharmacodynamic risk and pharmacokinetic alteration.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Co-administration with other agents that inhibit platelet aggregation or coagulation carries a documented risk of hemorrhage. Regulatory labeling formalizes this risk by placing a restriction on its use:

  • Contraindicated Combinations: Cilostazol is officially restricted from use in patients receiving two or more additional antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents (e.g., the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel). This combination is prohibited due to the potential for severe additive effects.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Cilostazol is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 enzymes. Inhibition of these enzymes leads to increased systemic exposure of Cilostazol or its active metabolites, which requires a regulatory action.

Inhibitor Type Examples Documented Outcome
Strong/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Diltiazem Causes significant increase in Cilostazol plasma concentration (Cmax and AUC).
CYP2C19 Inhibitors Omeprazole Causes an increase in active metabolite exposure (3,4'-dehydro-cilostazol).

The regulatory labeling requires that a reduction of the Cilostazol dose must be considered when co-administered with any strong or moderate CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 inhibitor to mitigate increased drug exposure.

Food and Population Considerations

  • Food/Substance Interactions: Ingestion with a high-fat meal or Grapefruit Juice is documented to increase Cilostazol's Cmax. Administration is therefore conditioned to be separated from a high-fat meal to avoid this altered drug absorption.
  • Population Notes: In patients with Severe Renal Impairment, regulatory documents note an alteration of plasma protein binding and an increase in metabolite levels.

Mechanism of Action

How Clauter Works: Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of Clauter involves modulating cellular signals, influencing vascular smooth muscle tone and platelet aggregation, achieved through two core mechanistic domains.

Targeted Inhibition of the PDE III Enzyme

Clauter acts as a selective inhibitor of the Phosphodiesterase III (PDE III) enzyme, which is responsible for degrading the crucial internal cellular messenger cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ( cAMP). By blocking this enzyme, the drug ensures cAMP levels remain high in both platelets and arterial smooth muscle cells, initiating the cascade that leads to distinct physiological consequences.

Dual Modulation of Vascular Tone and Platelet Activity

Elevated cAMP levels simultaneously promote the relaxation of arterial wall smooth muscle, which physically widens blood vessels (vasodilation), and suppress the activation of circulating platelets. This combined effect of relaxed vessel walls and non-aggregating blood components modulates flow dynamics by reducing platelet adhesiveness in the peripheral system.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Clauter

The usage of Clauter, which contains the active ingredient Cilostazol, is governed by a precise, standardized administration protocol. This section describes the high-level principles for the use of the medicine.

Clauter is an oral tablet and is administered via the oral route. The standard adult regimen for the main approved use is a 100 mg tablet taken twice daily. This frequency establishes a morning and evening schedule for consistent systemic presence of the medicine.

Administration Conditions and Adjustments

Administration is linked to meal timing. Each dose is typically taken on an empty stomach, specifically at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after breakfast and dinner. This procedural constraint is necessary to control the amount of drug absorbed by the body. The concurrent consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice is avoided, as this can affect the body’s processing of the medicine.

For individuals concurrently taking certain strong or moderate inhibitors of the CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 enzyme pathways, a dose reduction to 50 mg twice daily is a predefined protocol adjustment.

Treatment Duration

The full effect of Cilostazol may not be observed immediately. The regimen is generally maintained for a defined period of up to 3 months (or 12 weeks) before determining the long-term utility of the medicine. If symptomatic improvement is not observed after this period, the administration may be discontinued. For older adults, no specific dosage adjustment is required; the standard adult regimen applies.

High-Level Usage Protocol Standard Guideline
Route & Form Oral Tablet
Frequency Twice Daily (b.i.d.)
Timing On an empty stomach (before/after meals)
Evaluation Period Up to 3 months

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Understanding the Study Mechanism

The compound was studied based on the hypothesis that it may influence certain biological processes related to the condition. It is an orally administered molecule that was studied across a global clinical development program involving over 3,000 adult participants in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials.


Primary Efficacy Findings

Phase III trials focused on measuring outcomes such as changes in mobility and patient-reported symptoms. The primary clinical trials reported that participants receiving the compound met the ACR20 response criteria at 12 weeks at a rate higher than that of participants receiving the placebo.

  • Disease Activity: Study findings indicated a statistically significant difference in mean disease activity scores favoring the group receiving the compound compared to the placebo group. The mean change in the Disease Activity Score 28 using C-Reactive Protein (DAS28-CRP) was measured across the treatment groups.
  • Radiographic Progression: Studies evaluated the inhibition of structural joint damage, measured by changes from baseline in the modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS). The change in mTSS scores was numerically smaller in the group receiving the compound compared to the placebo group at 52 weeks.
  • Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs): The trials included assessments of patient-reported outcomes, such as physical function (measured by the HAQ-DI) and pain severity. Differences in these PRO scores were observed when comparing the group receiving the compound to the placebo group.

Secondary and Combination Studies

Research continues to explore the full implications of the compound's actions.

  • Combination with Methotrexate: Studies evaluated the safety and tolerability profile of the compound when administered alongside methotrexate.
  • Time to Onset: Observations regarding the time to achieve an initial measured response were reported in some trials, with responses noted from the 4-6 week mark. These observations were based on the time to first achieve an ACR20 response.

Safety Profile

Long-term extension studies of up to two years examined the safety profile of the compound in adults. Specific adverse events were closely monitored in clinical trials, including liver function, particularly when the compound was administered with other treatments. The clinical trials included participants who had previously received and had an inadequate response to other treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clauter (FAQ)


Q: Will this medicine make me sleepy?

Clauter (loratadine) is classified as a tricyclic antihistamine. Official product information notes that it generally has no clinically significant sedative properties when used according to the prescribed dosage. However, drowsiness is still listed as a possible side effect in the full safety information detailing potential adverse reactions.


Q: Can I take this with my usual glass of wine or beer?

Official studies reviewed by regulatory bodies indicate that loratadine, the active ingredient in Clauter, showed no potentiating effects when administered together with alcohol. This conclusion was drawn from psychomotor performance studies. For a complete review of safety information, users should consult the official regulatory documents.


Q: Can I use this medication while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

As a precautionary measure, it is generally preferable to avoid using Clauter during pregnancy. The active substance is known to be excreted in breast milk. Due to this finding, official safety documents generally state that use of this medication is not recommended while breastfeeding.


Q: Is this medicine safe for my 2-year-old child?

Regulatory documents state that the efficacy and safety of Clauter in children under 2 years of age have not been established because data for this specific age group is often limited. For all pediatric use, Consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary to determine appropriate use and dosage for children.


Q: Is it safe to take this medication for a long time?

Clinical trials reviewed by regulatory bodies included patients on long-term treatment with Clauter. These studies indicated that there were no clinically significant changes noted in participants' vital signs, routine laboratory tests, physical examinations, or electrocardiograms over the study period. Details regarding the duration of use can be found within the full regulatory product information.

How should Clauter be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Clauter? (Cilostazol)

Official regulatory guidelines define specific storage and disposal requirements for Clauter (Cilostazol) tablets to ensure the product remains stable and to maintain safety.

Clauter must be stored at controlled room temperature, generally between 15^circmathrmC and 30^circmathrmC. The tablets must be kept from freezing and protected from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. To maintain quality, the medicine must remain in its tightly closed, original container.

Storage Restriction Requirement
Temperature Controlled room temperature; do not freeze.
Protection Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
Child Safety Must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal of unused or expired medicine must adhere to official procedures. Clauter should not be thrown away in household trash or disposed of via wastewater. Patients must consult a pharmacist or local regulatory guidelines for instructions on discarding the medicine properly.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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