Diltiazem

Introduction To Diltiazem

Diltiazem is used to treat angina (heart-related chest pain), high blood pressure, and some types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). It is known as a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. This helps to reduce the workload of the heart.

Diltiazem may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it regularly at a fixed time each day as advised by your doctor. Keep using this medicine even if you feel well. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may worsen. This medicine is only part of a treatment program that should include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.

Common side effects seen with this medicine include headache, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, flushing, and rash. These are usually mild and disappear after a short time. Consult your doctor if they bother you or do not go away. It may also make you feel sleepy or dizzy, so be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine as it may worsen the side effects.

Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney problems. Also, inform your doctor if you have very low blood pressure (hypotension), heart failure, or if you recently had a heart attack and have fluid in your lungs. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure while using it and you may need frequent blood tests. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking it.

Uses of Diltiazem

  • Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
  • Treatment of Arrhythmia

Benefits of Diltiazem

Treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Diltiazem works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily around your body. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or kidney problems in the future. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice, even if you feel well.

Treatment of Angina (heart-related chest pain)
Diltiazem helps treat heart-related chest pain (angina attack) as well as prevent it from happening in the future. However, it should not be used for acute attacks of angina. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels in the heart. This makes it easier for blood to flow to the heart, so it gets more oxygen. This medicine thus helps to increase your ability to exercise and go about your daily life more easily and confidently. It should be taken regularly to be effective. Do not stop taking it without your doctor’s advice, even if you feel well.

Treatment of Arrhythmia
Diltiazem may also be used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It may help stop an abnormal rhythm while it is happening or prevent its occurrence in the first place.

Side effects of Diltiazem

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Angizem CD

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Edema (swelling)

How to use Diltiazem

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Diltiazem may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Diltiazem works

Diltiazem is used to treat angina (heart-related chest pain), high blood pressure, and some types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). It is known as a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. This helps to reduce the workload of the heart.

Quick tips

  • Diltiazem slows down the heartbeat and allows the blood vessels in the body to relax.

  • This helps prevent angina attacks (chest pain caused by heart disease), certain abnormal heart rhythms, stroke and heart attack.

  • It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.

  • It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.

  • It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem as it may make the side effects worse.

  • Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor first.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Diltiazem if I’m pregnant?

Diltiazem may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Diltiazem if I’m breastfeeding?

Diltiazem is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

sdsAlcoholCAUTION

Is drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem safe?

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Diltiazem. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Diltiazem?

Diltiazem may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Diltiazem if I have/had kidney diseases?

Diltiazem is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Diltiazem is recommended. However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Diltiazem if I have/had liver diseases?

Diltiazem should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Diltiazem may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Diltiazem a blood thinner?

No, Diltiazem is not a blood thinner. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class of medicines. It is used to treat hypertension, arrhythmias and angina (chest pain caused by a reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle).

Q. Does Diltiazem cause weight gain?

Yes, Diltiazem may cause weight gain but not in everybody. However, if you are gaining weight while taking Diltiazem then consult your doctor or a nutritionist.

Q. Is it better to take Diltiazem in the morning or at night?

It is recommended to take Diltiazem at night and before meals. The dose will be decided by your doctor and should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

Q. Does Diltiazem affect sleep?

Diltiazem may cause sleeplessness which does not affect everyone. If this persists and worries you talk to your doctor.

Q. Who should not take Diltiazem?

You should not take Diltiazem if you are allergic to it, have an irregular or slow heartbeat, heart failure, and low blood pressure. It should not be given to children and women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Q. What are the symptoms of overdose of Diltiazem?

Symptoms of overdose of Diltiazem include slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, difficulty breathing and seizures. It may also cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and increased sweating. Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical services in a nearby hospital.

Q. How long do I need to take Diltiazem?

Can I stop it on my own? Your doctor will decide how long you need to take it. Do not stop it on your own or lower your dose. Suddenly stopping it may worsen angina or increase your blood pressure.

Q. What should I avoid while taking Diltiazem?

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem. Also, avoid driving and using heavy machinery if Diltiazem causes dizziness and you experience a general feeling of being unwell. In addition to that, avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Diltiazem.

Q. What are the serious side effects of Diltiazem?

The serious side effects of Diltiazem include severe allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea and extreme tiredness. It may also cause unusual bleeding or bruising, lack of energy, loss of appetite and pain in the stomach. One may also experience flu-like symptoms and an increase in the frequency or severity of chest pain (angina). If you experience any such symptoms immediately contact your doctor and seek medical help.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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