Diltiazem is a widely prescribed medication that helps millions of people manage their heart-related conditions. Available as tablets, extended-release capsules, and cream formulations, this medicine works by helping your heart work more efficiently and keeping your blood vessels relaxed. Whether you're dealing with chest pain, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat, Diltiazem offers effective relief when used as prescribed.
What is Diltiazem?
Diltiazem is sold under the brand name Cardizem. It is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart arrhythmias. It may also be used for hyperthyroidism if beta-blockers cannot be used. Diltiazem is given orally or by injection into the veins.
What is Diltizem Used for?
Diltiazem offers multiple benefits for heart health and is trusted by doctors worldwide. It's particularly effective at managing various heart-related conditions while being generally well-tolerated by most people.
Conditions Diltiazem Treats
Chest pain (helping you stay more active)
High blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Exercise-related heart problems
Secondary Uses of Diltiazem
Diltiazem cream can help with certain skin conditions
May help prevent migraines
Can improve blood flow in various body parts
Diltiazem Cream Uses
Diltiazem cream is mainly used for treating chronic anal fissures. It relaxes the internal anal sphincter, reduces pain, and promotes healing by improving blood flow.
Diltiazem Cream: How to Apply
Wash hands and the affected area before application
Apply a pea-sized amount inside the anal canal using a gloved finger or applicator
Use twice daily, or as directed
Avoid inserting the cream deeply
Wash hands thoroughly afterward
Diltiazem Hydrochloride Gel Uses
This gel formulation is used similarly to the cream, particularly for:
Chronic anal fissures
Hemorrhoid-related discomfort
It helps by relaxing muscles, reducing spasms, and increasing local circulation for pain relief and faster healing.
How Does Diltiazem Work?
Diltiazem works in a remarkably straightforward way. Think of your blood vessels as pipes that can become too tight. Diltiazem helps these "pipes" relax, making it easier for blood to flow through them. At the same time, it helps your heart beat at a more regular pace, reducing strain on this vital organ.
When you take Diltiazem, it:
Relaxes your blood vessels
Helps your heart maintain a steady rhythm
Reduces how hard your heart needs to work
Improves blood flow throughout your body
How to Use Diltiazem (Oral Tablet)?
Diltiazem oral tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and certain heart rhythm disorders by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Instructions for Use:
Take Diltiazem tablets by mouth before meals and at bedtime or as directed by your doctor.
Swallow the tablet whole; do not split, crush, or chew it, especially if you are taking the extended-release version.
Use this medicine regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit.
The dosage is individualized based on your condition, response to treatment, and other medications you're taking. Be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the medicines you use.
For chest pain (angina), Diltiazem tablets must be taken regularly to prevent attacks. Do not use Diltiazem to treat an active angina attack. Instead, use a fast-acting medicine such as sublingual nitroglycerin if prescribed.
Let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen-for example, if your chest pain becomes more frequent or severe.
Diltiazem Dosage
Diltiazem is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations, with Diltiazem 120 mg tablet being one of the most commonly prescribed strengths.
Typical Dosage Guidelines:
Formulation
Usual Starting Dose
Frequency
Immediate-release tablets
30 mg to 60 mg
3 to 4 times daily
Extended-release tablets
120 mg to 180 mg
Once daily
Maximum Dose (varies)
Up to 360 mg to 540 mg daily
Based on doctor&'s recommendation
Your doctor may adjust the dosage gradually based on your blood pressure, heart rate, and overall response.
Never adjust your dose or stop the medicine without consulting your doctor.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Diltiazem?
If you miss a dose of Diltiazem, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this could lead to dangerous levels of the drug in your body and cause toxic side effects.
What happens if an Overdose?
An overdose of Diltiazem can be serious and potentially fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call a poison control centre.
Do not stop using Diltiazem suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen your condition. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue taking this medicine even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Here is the list of side effects the Digitiazem tablet or injection might cause. We recommend using this medicine only on a cardiology doctor's prescription.
Symptoms of liver damage include pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin.
Symptoms of heart failure include difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of the legs or ankles.
Advise users to consult a doctor if any symptoms worsen.
Precautions and Warnings While Using Diltiazem
Before taking Diltiazem, it is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor or pharmacist. This medication may not be suitable for everyone, and certain conditions require caution.
Who should avoid this medicine?
Allergies: Do not take Diltiazem if you have a known allergy to it or any of its ingredients.
Certain Heart Conditions: Individuals with sick sinus syndrome (unless a pacemaker is present), second- or third-degree AV block, or very low blood pressure should generally avoid Diltiazem.
Recent Heart Attack with Lung Fluid Buildup: If you have recently had a heart attack and have fluid buildup in your lungs, Diltiazem could worsen your condition by slowing your heart.
Conditions where caution is needed
Liver Disease: Diltiazem can cause liver damage; therefore, caution is necessary if you have existing liver problems.
Kidney Disease: Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Heart Failure: Diltiazem may increase the risk of heart failure or worsen existing heart failure symptoms.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Individuals with low blood pressure should not take Diltiazem.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Diltiazem?
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Diltiazem, particularly dizziness, constipation, or swelling of the ankles and feet. A lower dosage might be required in this age group.
Alcohol or food interactions
Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem, as it can increase the amount of Diltiazem in your body and may lead to increased dizziness and low blood pressure.
Food: Diltiazem oral tablets are typically taken before meals and bedtime. Some extended-release forms may be best taken on an empty stomach. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding food intake.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)
Diltiazem can interact with other medications, which may alter how your medications work or increase your risk of more serious side effects.
It is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are currently using.
Overview of how this medicine may interact with other drugs
Some products that may interact with Diltiazem include:
Certain medications can affect the removal of Diltiazem from your body, which may impact how this medicine works. Examples include cimetidine, St. John's wort, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), and rifamycins (including rifabutin and rifampin).
Diltiazem might also slow down the removal of other drugs from your body, which could affect how they work.
Some products contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or cause more chest pain. Always consult your pharmacist about the safe use of these products, especially cough and cold remedies, dietary aids, or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen).
Possible Impact When Combined With Supplements, Herbal Products
Always inform your healthcare provider about any supplements or herbal products you are taking, as they can interact with Diltiazem and affect its efficacy or increase the risk of side effects. For example, St. John's wort can interact with Diltiazem.
How Should Diltiazem Be Stored?
Proper storage of Diltiazem is essential to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.
Recommended Storage Temperature for Diltiazem
Diltiazem should generally be stored at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) . It can tolerate brief exposures to temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), such as during transport.
Diltiazem hydrochloride injection vials should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from freezing. These injections may be stored at room temperature for up to one month; after this period, they should be discarded.
What Happens If Diltiazem Is Not Stored Properly?
If Diltiazem is not stored properly, its effectiveness may be compromised. Exposure to excessive heat, moisture, or freezing temperatures can cause the medication to degrade, rendering it less potent or even harmful.
Keep away from children, sunlight, or moisture.
Always keep Diltiazem out of the sight and reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place, protecting it from direct light and moisture. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine that is no longer needed. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Diltiazem vs Digoxin
Diltiazem
Digoxin
Brand Name: Cardizem
Brand Name: Lanoxin
Formula: C22H26N2O4S
Formula: C41H64O14
Diltiazem is used to prevent chest pain (angina), manage high blood pressure, and treat certain types of arrhythmias. It may improve exercise capacity and reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
Digoxin is used to treat various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and heart failure. It improves heart efficiency and control of heart rate.
Drug Class: Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker
For adults, the usual starting dose is 180 to 240 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or at bedtime. The exact dose and timing should be based on your doctor’s recommendation. For children, dosage and use should only be determined by a healthcare professional.
There is no strong evidence linking Diltiazem (or Verapamil) to sleep disturbances. Though sleep issues are listed as a rare potential side effect, they occur in less than 1% of patients.
Yes, Diltiazem, along with Verapamil, is a calcium channel blocker used to control the ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. These drugs are often administered intravenously for rapid effect.
Diltiazem begins working soon after administration, but it may take up to 2 weeks to feel its full benefit in managing high blood pressure or chest pain.
Yes, Diltiazem may cause low blood pressure, which can result in symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, faintness, sweating, or unusual tiredness. Contact your doctor if you experience these effects.
Prolonged use of Diltiazem, especially if not properly managed, may lead to dysfunction in the heart and arteries, possibly resulting in heart failure, stroke, or kidney failure due to vascular damage.
Diltiazem may cause a mild increase in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should monitor their glucose more closely while taking this medication.
Diltiazem 120 mg is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). It may also be prescribed to manage certain heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation by slowing down the heart rate.
Diltiazem does not typically raise blood sugar, but in rare cases, calcium channel blockers like diltiazem may affect glucose metabolism slightly. It's not considered a major risk for patients with diabetes, but blood sugar monitoring is advised if you're diabetic.
The worst side effects of diltiazem include worsening heart failure, slow heart rate (bradycardia), severely low blood pressure, and liver problems. Some people may also experience allergic reactions, such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. These side effects are rare but serious, and medical attention should be sought immediately if they occur.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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