Key takeaways
Ticlopidine and cilostazol are both medications used to prevent blood clots, but they have different uses and mechanisms. Ticlopidine is an antiplatelet medication that was used to lower the risk of stroke and prevent blood clotting after coronary stent implantation. It works by stopping platelets from sticking together. However, it is no longer available in the United States. On the other hand, cilostazol, available only by prescription, is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor (PDE-3 inhibitor) used to ease pain and improve walking distance in people with intermittent claudication, a condition caused by poor blood flow in the legs. Cilostazol also prevents platelets from clumping and helps relax blood vessels. It must be taken on an empty stomach and is not safe for people with heart failure.
