Diltiazem

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Diltiazem belongs to a group of so called calcium channel blockers. This medication relaxes blood vessels and lowers the heart rate. It can be applied in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, some types of arrhythmia.

How use:
Diltiazem comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The regular tablet is usually taken three or four times a day. The extended-release capsule and tablet are usually taken one or two times a day. Ask your pharmacist if you should take diltiazem with or without food, because instructions may vary with each product. Take diltiazem at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diltiazem exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsules and tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of diltiazem and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 7 to 14 days if you are taking the extended-release tablet or capsule and not more than once every 1 to 2 days if you are taking the regular tablet.
If taken regularly, diltiazem may control chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
Diltiazem controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of diltiazem. Continue to take diltiazem even if you feel well. Do not stop taking diltiazem without talking to your doctor.

Precautions:
Before taking Diltiazem tell your doctor or chemist if you are allergic to it; or if you have other allergies. Inform your doctor or chemist if you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, SA or AV nodal abnormalities or reduced ventricular function. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeed. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking while being treated with this medication. Aged people can be more sensitive to side effects of the medicine.

Contraindications:
Diltiazem should not be used by patients having demonstrated a reaction of hypersensitivity to this medicine.

Possible side effect:
The most common side effects are dizziness, constipation, facial flushing, headache, weakness, etc. A very serious allergic reaction rarely occurs. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects. Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for more details. In case you notice the effects not listed here, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interaction:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use before using this medication. Diltiazem can interact with Quinidine and Beta-blockers. Turn to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Missed dose:
If you have missed your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you see that it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take your dose twice.