DILTIAZEM
Brand names Adizem,Altiazem, Angiozem, Britiazim, Cardizem, Calcicard, Dilzem, Slozem, Tildiem,Tiamate,Viazem,Dilatam, Diltelan, Dilzem, Zandil, Zemtrial ,Tiazac
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Diltiazem belongs to the group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers . These drugs interfere with the conduction of signals in the muscles of the heart and blood vessels.
Diltiazem is used in the treatment of angina and high blood pressure. When this drug is taken regularly, it reduces the frequency of angina attacks but it does not work quickly enough to reduce the pain of an angina attack that is already in progress.
Diltiazem does not adversely affect breathing and is of particular value for people who suffer from asthma, for whom other anti-angina drugs may not be suitable. Adverse effects include headache, ankle swelling, and tiredness
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Calcium channel blocker and antihypertensive drug
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, SR-tablets.
Frequency and timing of doses
3 x daily (tablets); 1-2 x daily (SR-tablets).
Adult dosage range
180-480mg daily.
Onset of effect
2-3 hours.
Duration of action
6-8 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur. Stopping suddenly may worsen angina.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause dizziness. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Diltiazem can cause various minor symptoms that are common to other calcium channel blockers as well. These include headache and nausea. The most serious effect is the possibility of a slowed heart beat, which may cause tiredness or dizziness. These effects can sometimes be controlled by an adjustment in dosage.
Antihypertensive drugs
Diltiazem increases the effects of these drugs, leading to a further reduction in blood pressure.
Anticonvulsant drugs
Levels of these drugs may be altered by diltiazem.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
There is a risk of side effects on the heart if these are taken with digoxin.
Digoxin Blood levels and adverse effects of this drug may be increased if it is taken with diltiazem. The dosage of digoxin may need to be reduced.
Theophylline/aminophylline
Diltiazem may increase the levels of this drug.
Beta blockers increase the risk of the heart slowing.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart failure.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how diltiazem affects you because the drug can cause dizziness due to lowered blood pressure.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may reduce blood pressure, causing dizziness.
PROLONGED USE
No problems expected.
