Diltiazem belongs to a family of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and by reducing the workload of the heart. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). Diltiazem may also be used to control your heart rate if you have a fast or irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation).
Directions
Take Diltiazem exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For treating high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina) the recommended dose can range from 30 mg to 360 mg daily. The dose for the tablet form is usually taken 3 or 4 times a day. Take it with a full glass of water. Use Diltiazem regularly to get the most benefit.
Precautions
Before taking Diltiazem you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), sick sinus syndrome, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, kidney disease, low blood pressure, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication.
Contraindications
Do not take Diltiazem if you are allergic to it or any ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain types of heart rhythm problems in the absence of a pacemaker, very low blood pressure, left ventricular failure.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have fainting, fast or slow heartbeats, feeling lightheaded, fever, sore throat, headache, red skin rash, peeling, swelling, rapid weight gain, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, stuffy nose, itching, dizziness, tired feeling, warmth, redness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: cyclosporine, benzodiazepines (flurazepam, triazolam, alprazolam, lorazepam), beta blockers (betaxolol, propranolol, metoprolol), cimetidine, buspirone, carbamazepine, rifampin, clonidine, digoxin, quinidine, statins (lovastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are extremely low blood pressure (hypotension), heart failure, slow heart rate (bradycardia), lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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