What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking Diltiazem?

Diltiazem

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Molecule Description

Diltiazem is mostly used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers (CCBs).

Uses

High blood pressure
Angina (chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscles)

Contraindications

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

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

Pregnancy

Diltiazem is NOT considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

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

Be cautious as Diltiazem may make you feel dizzy or sleepy.

Alcohol

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

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

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

If your doctor advised you a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Dosage

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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