Overview:
Diltiazem is a drug that is given to prevent the patient from various cardiac conditions. The effective working of Diltiazem helps in keeping the blood flow in a proper condition. This drug needs a prescription for purchase. It can be used in combination with other drugs but requires a proper recommendation from your doctor. Diltiazem is a highly influential drug, and it should be kept away from children. If kids happen to consume these drugs by mistake, it can be really harmful to their health.
Drug Group:
Diltiazem is a drug belonging to the group called calcium channel blockers. This drug is known to produce a good antihypertensive effect. It can treat several grades of hypertension. The antihypertensive effect is due to the dilatation of the peripheral vessels. The peripheral vessels include the blood vessels in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. The other drugs belonging to this group are Verapamil, Nifedipine, Amlodipine, Isradipine, Nicardipine, and Felodipine.
What Is Diltiazem Used For?
Diltiazem is used in the treatment of:
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It is used in hypertension cases. Hypertension might seem like a common condition, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to damage to other organs such as the kidney, liver, blood vessels, and heart.
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Helpful for cardiac arrhythmias.
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Useful for chest pain or angina.
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Supraventricular tachycardia.
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Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
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Prophylaxis for angina pectoris.
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Congestive heart failure.
Never take Diltiazem without consulting your doctor first.
How Does Diltiazem Work?
A certain level of calcium keeps moving through the calcium channels. These channels are responsible for electrical activity and conduction in the heart. When these channels are blocked, the conduction rate within the heart is reduced. The force of contraction in the heart is also reduced. The load on the muscle cells is reduced, resulting in the dilation of the arteries. When the vessels become enlarged and dilated, the pressure exerted by the heart is greatly reduced. This, in turn, reduces blood pressure. This is how the blood pressure is reduced in patients with hypertension. If the mechanism works properly, then hypertension can be controlled and brought back to a normal level.
Onset Of Action:
The onset of action refers to the time taken for a drug to start its potential effect. Diltiazem has a short duration of action. It can start acting within 15-30 minutes. Its peak response will be in the first hour or second hour after consumption.
Habit-Forming:
There have been no reports of the habit-forming tendency in patients who are taking Diltiazem.
Expiry Date:
The drugs should not be consumed after the date has expired. The expiry date will be printed on the back of the medication pack.
What Is the Dosage of Diltiazem?
The dosage of this medication should be adjusted according to your weight, BMI, age, immunity condition, and other health conditions. Your doctor will ask you to take a minimum dose in the beginning. This will prevent the patient from developing drug tolerance.
Diltiazem dosage for adults:
How to Use Diltiazem?
This drug is available as a tablet and capsule. The normal tablet is taken three to four times a day. But the capsule can be consumed and can be taken only one or two a day. The tablet is a long-acting one. But the capsules are extended-release capsules. The drug levels of these drugs will stay in the body for a very long time. This is the advantage of an extended-release capsule. Both the capsule and tablet should be swallowed, and it should not be chewed. It is also administered in the form of a bolus injection. Bolus injection is the procedure by which the medicine is injected into the bloodstream through the catheter. In this way, medicine can quickly reach the blood.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, you can take it anytime you remember it. But do not take a double dose as compensation for missed doses. Taking the dose at the regular timing is necessary.
What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?
Before taking these drugs, it is necessary for you to check with your doctor for the dosage of the drug.
Pregnancy: Calcium channel blockers are completely safe during pregnancy. This group of drugs is the only safe drug for hypertension. But pregnancy is the state where you need to stay extra careful. So, it is better to check with your doctor before taking these drugs.
Breastfeeding: There are no proper reports to prove that Diltiazem is not to be used in breastfeeding. However, you should ask your doctor to advise you on the usage of this drug.
Hypotension: Diltiazem is known to reduce the blood pressure further in a patient. So, this drug is contraindicated for patients with low blood pressure.
Liver: Diltiazem is known to cause an increase in enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase. This drug is, therefore, dangerous for patients with liver disorders as it might make the condition furthermore complicated.
Skin disorder: This drug might cause a few severe skin reactions in the patient. So, if you already have skin or any associated disorders, avoid taking these medications.
What Are the Side Effects of Diltiazem?
The common side effects of Diltiazem are nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and a very slow heartbeat. This drug can also cause certain severe symptoms such as:
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Heart problems with severe chest pain.
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Altered heart rate and rhythm.
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Liver problems that might be evident by dark color urine. There will also be a color change in the skin.
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Upper stomach pain.
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Red or purplish rashes in the skin. Sometimes, it might be seen along with the swelling in the face.
What Are the Interactions of Diltiazem?
Generally, a drug can react with
With medications:
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Atazanavir.
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Carbamazepine.
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Benzodiazepines such as Midazolam and Triazolam.
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Beta-blockers such as Atenlol, Labetalol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, and Propranolol.
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Cyclosporine.
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Buspirone.
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Cimetidine.
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Digoxin.
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Lovastatin.
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Quinidine.
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Rifampin.
With disease:
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Aortic stenosis.
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Liver diseases.
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Skin disorders.
With alcohol:
In alcoholic patients, this drug can reduce blood pressure. So avoid consuming alcohol.
What Are the Common Brand or Trade Name of Diltiazem?
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Capsule Dilter 90 mg.
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Capsule Dilter cd 60 mg.
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Tablet Channel.
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Tablet Cardiorex.
Consult a doctor if you have any doubts regarding the drug.
