Published in the online version of The Lancet Neurology,  the study suggests that cilostazol could be a safer alternative  to aspirin for post-stroke Chinese patients, who seem to be at  higher risk of cerebral hemorrhage, according to previous  studies. Anti-platelet drugs have an “anti-clotting” effect and  long-term, low doses may prevent heart attacks and blood clot  formation in people at high risk for developing blood clots. In the study, 719 patients around the age of 60 were  divided into two groups, with the first given cilostazol and  the second given aspirin for 12 to 18 months. Twelve patients in the cilostazol group suffered subsequent  stroke, compared to 20 people in the aspirin group. Brain bleeding was detected in 1 patient in the cilostazol  group versus 7 in the aspirin group. While the researchers said cilostazol appeared to be more  effective and a safer alternative to aspirin for Chinese  patients, they called for a larger clinical trial. Manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., cilostazol is  known by its brand name Pletal. Stroke is the second leading cause of death in China, with  about 7 million people affected in the country.
Cilostazol found may be safer than aspirin post-stroke.