What condition is Cilostazol primarily approved to treat?

Cilostazol is primarily approved to treat intermittent claudication, which is a condition characterized by pain or cramping in the legs due to insufficient blood flow, typically during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. The medication works by acting as a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow, which alleviates the symptoms associated with intermittent claudication.

This drug enhances exercise tolerance by improving the distance a patient can walk without experiencing pain. It also has some antiplatelet effects, making it beneficial in managing specific vascular conditions. Cilostazol is not FDA-approved for the treatment of myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), conditions that involve different underlying mechanisms and treatment needs compared to intermittent claudication. This specificity of Cilostazol's approval for intermittent claudication makes it particularly important in the management of this condition, providing patients with a targeted option to relieve their symptoms effectively.