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Diltiazem - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Diltiazem: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Diltiazem?

Diltiazem belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, and heart arrhythmias. Diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels, thus enabling smoother blood flow.

What are the uses of Diltiazem?

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It is used in the treatment of:

  • High blood pressure
  • Angina
  • Certain heart arrhythmias
  • Hyperthyroidism, if beta-blockers cannot be used
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What are the side effects of Diltiazem?

Diltiazem may take a couple of weeks to work fully. But the medication may trigger side effects such as swollen hands, ankles, or feet, headaches, fatigue, light-headedness, redness of skin or sensation of burning, hot flushes, indigestion, and constipation. Though rare, serious side effects are the whites of eyes turning yellow, severe pain in the stomach, or yellowish skin.

Stop the usage of Diltiazem and call a doctor right away if you feel these symptoms.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Diltiazem

1. Can you drink alcohol while taking Diltiazem?

Though you can drink alcohol with Diltiazem, it is not recommended. Ingesting alcohol while on the Diltiazem may make you feel dizzy as drinking may increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of the drug. When on a dosage of Diltiazem, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and rest.

2. Can atorvastatin and Diltiazem be taken together?

Taking Diltiazem with atorvastatin can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis (where the skeletal muscle tissue begins to break down).

3. How long does it take for Diltiazem to work?

Diltiazem has almost immediate effects. But for high blood pressure and angina, it may take a couple of weeks to work fully. Talk to your doctor if your chest pain does not get better after a couple of weeks.

4. Should I take Diltiazem in the morning or at night?

There is usually a greater risk of myocardial ischemia in the morning hours, which is why doctors recommend taking medication before bedtime. Diltiazem may be taken by adults and children over the age of 12 years. But before you begin dosage of the medication, you need to let your doctor know if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicines in the past; are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant; are breastfeeding; or have had kidney disease.

5. How does Diltiazem work for afib?

Diltiazem is useful for heart rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation -- irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart-related complications -- as it reduces conduction in the atrioventricular node.

6. Is Dilt-XR the same as Diltiazem-ER?

Dilt-XR is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension, chest pain, and certain heart rhythm disorders. Dilt-XR contains multiple units of Diltiazem HCl.

7. Is Diltiazem the same as tiazac?

Tiazac is the brand name of Diltiazem HCL. It is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension, chest pain, and certain heart arrhythmias.

8. Is Diltiazem an ace inhibitor?

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. The drug works to relax blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.

9. When should you not take diltiazem?

Diltiazem can be taken by those above the age of 12 years.
But Diltiazem is not suitable for:

  • Those who have had an allergic reaction to medicines in the past
  • Those allergic to Diltiazem
  • Those trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Those with kidney or liver disease
  • Those who have heart failure
  • Those who have blood disorders such as porphyria

10. Is diltiazem bad for the kidneys?

Certain other medical conditions may affect the use of Diltiazem. If you have kidney or liver disease, you need to consult a doctor before using this medication.

Diltiazem is not suitable for those who have had an allergic reaction to medicines in the past; those trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding; those with kidney; and those who have blood disorders such as porphyria.

11. Is diltiazem used for anxiety?

There are a few studies that have shown some success in the treatment of panic disorder with Diltiazem. It is still an area of research with not many conclusive results in the affirmative.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.