Diltiazem
Molecule Description
Diltiazem is mostly used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of
medicines called calcium channel blockers (CCBs).
Uses of Diltiazem
- High blood pressure
- Angina (chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscles)
Contraindications of Diltiazem
When should one not use Diltiazem
- Are allergic to Diltiazem or any other calcium channel antagonist
- If you have heart failure
- Have irregular or slow heartbeats
Side effects of Diltiazem
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Swelling of hands, feet, and ankle
- Nausea
- Headache
- Flushing
- Skin rash
- Tiredness
- Feeling abnormal heartbeats
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty sleeping
Precautions and Warnings of Diltiazem
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Diltiazem during pregnancy?
A:
Diltiazem is NOT considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Diltiazem while breastfeeding?
A:
Whether Diltiazem passes into the mother’s milk is not exactly known. Limited data is available for this medicine during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor once while breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Diltiazem?
A:
Be cautious as Diltiazem may make you feel dizzy or sleepy.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Diltiazem?
A:
Do not drink alcohol at the time of taking this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have any medical history, especially of bowel problem
- Have low blood pressure
- Liver or kidney disease
Mode of Action of Diltiazem
How Does It Work?
Calcium ions are needed for active contraction of smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels. Diltiazem inhibits transport of these calcium ions across membranes of heart cells and blood vessels. This inhibits cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction, thereby dilating the heart and arteries. Diltiazem reduces the load on the heart and decreases tension in blood vessels, thus lowering the blood pressure....
Interactions of Diltiazem
Interactions with other medicines
- Diltiazem
- Dantrolene
- Lomitapide
- Nefazodone
- Simvastatin
- Ivacaftor
- Flibanserin
- Ivabradine (used to treat angina)
- Medicines used to decrease cholesterol levels in (examples include Simvastatin, Atorvastatin or Lovastatin)
Interactions with food items
Grapefruit juice and grapefruit should not be consumed by people who are taking Diltiazem as these can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure.
Dietary Restrictions of Diltiazem
If your doctor advised you a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Dosage of Diltiazem
Overdose
You may experience slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, difficulty in breathing, fits, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and increased sweating. Seek emergency help in case of an overdose.
Missed a Dose
It is ideal not to miss a dose. The missed dose can be taken when you remember it if there is sufficient time left for the next scheduled dose. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking an extra dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Diltiazem?
A: You should give details of all the medications you are on before starting this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have or ever had a heart attack or heart or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
References
View All
- Dailymed.diltiazem. [Accessed 6.Aug.2019] (online)
- Webmd.diltiazem. [Accessed 6.Aug.2019] (online)
- Ema. diltiazem. [Accessed 6.Aug.2019] (online)
- Lactmed.diltiazem. [Accessed 6.Aug.2019] (online)
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Diltiazem. [Updated 2018 Oct 31]
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.
Top-Tests we cover:
Top-Selling Healthcare Products:
Top-Selling Medicines:
Top-Searched Medicines: