• Vasodilator

Cyclandelate ( sye-KLAN-de-late) belongs to the group of medicines commonly called vasodilators. These medicines increase the size of blood vessels. Cyclandelate is used to treat problems resulting from poor blood circulation.

Cyclandelate is available in the following dosage form:

Oral
• Tablets (Canada)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For cyclandelate, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to cyclandelate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether cyclandelate passes into breast milk. However, cyclandelate has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of cyclandelate in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of cyclandelate in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, or if you smoke.

• Angina (chest pain) or
• Bleeding problems or
• Glaucoma or
• Hardening of the arteries or
• Heart attack (recent) or
• Stroke (recent)—The chance of unwanted effects may be increased

If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with meals, milk, or antacids.

Dosing—

The dose of cyclandelate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of cyclandelate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For treating poor circulation:
    • Adults—At first, 1.2 to 1.6 grams a day. This is taken in divided doses before meals and at bedtime. Then, your doctor will gradually lower your dose to 400 to 800 milligrams (mg) a day. This is divided into two to four doses.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

It may take some time for this medicine to work. If you feel that the medicine is not working, do not stop taking it on your own. Instead, check with your doctor.

The helpful effects of this medicine may be decreased if you smoke.

Dizziness may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position or climb stairs. Getting up slowly may help. If this problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of these effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common
  • Belching, heartburn, nausea, or stomach pain;  dizziness;  fast heartbeat;  flushing of face;  headache;  sweating;  tingling sensation in face, fingers, or toes;  weakness 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.