Diltiazem

Uses of Diltiazem

Diltiazem belongs to a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Diltiazem also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Diltiazem oral is used in adults alone or in combination with other medicines to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or symptoms of angina (chest pain). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Diltiazem injection is used in adults to treat certain heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, or dangerously rapid heartbeats (tachycardia).

Precautions and Warnings

You should not use diltiazem if you have very low blood pressure, a serious heart condition such as “sick sinus syndrome” or “AV block” (unless you have a pacemaker), or if you have recently had a heart attack and you have a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure.

Diltiazem may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly, your condition may become worse.

Diltiazem may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. However, if you have symptoms of low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting, weakness, or blurred vision), call your doctor and stop taking diltiazem.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Side Effects

Common diltiazem side effects may include:

• swelling;
• infections, flu symptoms;
• trouble breathing;
• headache, dizziness, weakness;
• slower heart rate;
• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;
• nausea, upset stomach; or
• rash.