Diltiazem

Description

Diltiazem is a medication that is used to treat various heart conditions. Diltiazem is available in different dosage forms such as a tablet, tablet SR, tablet CR, capsule, injection and gel. The oral form of diltiazem is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain or chest discomfort). The injectable form is used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (irregular and fast heartbeat) and supraventricular tachycardia (fast heartbeat that occurs suddenly). Topical form is used to treat anal fissures (tears on the wall of the rectum). Diltiazem works by relaxing the smooth muscles. Diltiazem may cause side effects like headache, constipation, rectal bleeding, pain at the injection site, skin rash, burning and itching at the site of application, etc. Contact your doctor if these side effects become severe or persist. Avoid using Diltiazem if you had been allergic to it. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Diltiazem dosage depends on the form in which it is taken and the condition for which it is used to treat. The oral forms of diltiazem can be taken with or without food. Diltiazem injection will be given by your doctor in the hospital setting. For topical forms, apply the required amount of this medicine to the affected area as advised by your doctor. Do not stop the treatment with this medicine without consulting your doctor. Diltiazem should be used cautiously if you have hypotension (low blood pressure), kidney, liver or lung problems. Inform your doctor, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting the treatment with Diltiazem. The medicine should be taken in conjunction with a proper diet and regular exercise.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Diltiazem

  • Body pain
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chest discomfort
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
  • Sneezing
  • Acid or sour stomach
  • Constipation
  • Muscle pain
  • Skin rash
  • Pain at the injection site
  • Itching or burning sensation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Rectal pain

Uses of Diltiazem

What is it prescribed for?

  • Hypertension
  • Angina pectoris
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia
  • Anal Fissures
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The onset of action for each dosage form is as follows: Oral forms (Immediate-release tablets) - the effect can be observed within 2-4 hours after taking it. Extended-release tablets - the effect can be observed within 11-18 hours after taking it. Oral forms (Immediate-release capsules) - the effect can be observed within 10-14 hours after taking it. Parenteral forms (injections) - starts its effects within 1 hour after administration. Topical forms (gel) - the onset of action is unknown.
  • Duration of effect
    The duration of action for each dosage form of diltiazem is as follows: Oral forms (Immediate-release tablets) - diltiazem lasts for an average duration of 9 to 12 hours. Extended-release tablets - lasts for an average duration of 24 hours Oral forms (Immediate-release capsules) - the effect lasts for a duration of 15-30 hours. Parenteral forms (injections) - 9 to 12 hours for a single intravenous dose and 12 to 15 hours for an infusion. Topical forms (gel) - the duration of action is unknown.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during the treatment with Diltiazem as it may cause side effects like headache, dizziness, change in pulse or heart rate, etc.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit forming tendencies were reported.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    Diltiazem is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may cause serious side effects to the foetus. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine with the same therapeutic effect based on your health condition.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    Diltiazem passes into breast milk in very small quantities. Hence it is considered to be safe for nursing mothers. However, make sure to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may monitor your baby for diarrhoea and yeast infection (diaper rash or a thick white coating on your baby’s tongue).

Allergy

Avoid using Diltiazem if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if there is a history of diltiazem allergy. Seek medical attention if you notice allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives (painful eruptions that itch and sting), swelling (face, lips, tongue, etc.), breathing difficulty, etc.

Hypotension

Diltiazem is not recommended for use if you have hypotension (decreased blood pressure) as it can worsen your condition.

Acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) is a heart condition occurring due to blockage of the blodd vessels in the heart. This results in decreased blood flow to the heart muscles. Diltiazem is not recommended for use if you had a myocardial infarction as it can result in serious side effects.

Sick sinus syndrome

Diltiazem is not recommended for use if you have sick sinus syndrome (a condition where the heartbeat cannot be initiated by the sinus node, your body’s natural pacemaker) except in the presence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker as it can worsen your health condition.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Diltiazem is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may cause serious side effects to the foetus. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine with the same therapeutic effect based on your health condition.

Breast-feeding

Diltiazem passes into breast milk in very small quantities. Hence it is considered to be safe for nursing mothers. However, make sure to inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may monitor your baby for diarrhoea and yeast infection (diaper rash or a thick white coating on your baby’s tongue).
General warnings

Hypotension

Diltiazem is known to decrease blood pressure resulting in hypotension (low blood pressure). Hence frequent monitoring of blood pressure is necessary during the treatment with this medicine.

Cardiac Conduction

Diltiazem may cause a slow heart rate, especially if you are on certain drugs like beta-blockers or digitalis. Therefore, your doctor may monitor your heart function if required while on treatment with this medicine.

Liver disease

Diltiazem may cause a mild elevation in the liver enzymes. These levels return to normal once the medicine is discontinued. Your doctor may monitor your liver function if required while on treatment with this medicine.

Skin reaction

Diltiazem may cause rare but severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolusis, erythema multiforme and/or exfoliative dermatitis. Any symptoms of skin rash or itching should be reported to the doctor.

Use in children

Diltiazem is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established for this age group.

Drowsiness

Diltiazem may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. Hence, do not perform activities like driving vehicles or operating heavy machines during treatment with this medicine.

Missed Dose

Oral forms: Try not to skip a scheduled dose of diltiazem. In case you forget to take the scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been delayed for more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not double the dose. Injectable forms: It is always important to take your diltiazem injection at the scheduled time. If you missed taking the dose, inform your doctor, and get an appointment for further instructions. Topical forms: Apply the missed dose of Diltiazem as soon as you remember. Do not apply in more quantities to compensate for the missed dose.

Overdose

Oral forms: Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor in case you suspect an overdose of Diltiazem. Injectable form: Diltiazem injection is administered in a hospital setting by your doctor, so the likelihood of an overdose is rare. Contact your doctor if an overdose with diltiazem is suspected. Topical forms: An overdose of diltiazem is not likely to cause severe symptoms unless it is applied for a long duration and in large amounts. However, swallowing this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during the treatment with Diltiazem as it may cause side effects like headache, dizziness, change in pulse or heart rate, etc.
Interaction with Medicine

Carbamazepine

Itraconazole

Ethinyl Estradiol

Atorvastatin

Disease interactions

Aortic Stenosis

Diltiazem is not recommended for use if you have aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening) as it may worsen your condition. Hence inform your doctor about your condition before using diltiazem.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Diltiazem tablet/capsule is used to treat hypertension and angina pectoris. You can take it with or without food in a dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended that you complete the course of treatment. Do not stop the treatment without consulting your doctor. Do not share your medicine with others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours. Your doctor may advise a blood test to check for kidney and liver enzyme levels. Injectable forms: Diltiazem injection will be given intravenously (into the vein) in the hospital setting by your doctor. Hence do not self-administer. Inform your doctor if you notice any undesirable side effects. It is advised not to drive or drink alcohol as it may cause dizziness. Topical forms: Diltiazem gel is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth. In case of accidental contact, wash with water thoroughly. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert before application. Wear gloves and apply a thin layer of diltiazem to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. Finish the entire course of treatment even if your symptoms improve after a few days.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Diltiazem works by stopping the influx of calcium into the heart muscles and thus causes relaxation of the muscles. Topical forms of diltiazem work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the affected area.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Calcium channel blocking agents

Schedule

Schedule H

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https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30670>

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Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 September 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/018602s065lbl.pdf>

Docs.boehringer-ingelheim.com. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 September 2021].

https://docs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/Prescribing%20Information/PIs/Ben%20Venue_Bedford%20Labs/55390-565-10%20DLT%2050MG/5539056510>

Stmarkshospital.nhs.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 September 2021].

https://www.stmarkshospital.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2112-diltiazem-2162009.pdf>

Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DILTIA XT® brand of DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULES, USP (ONCE-A-DAY-DOSAGE). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 September 2021].

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d6a81f9f-3a51-4e86-aeb3-8352186b3528#s13>

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Information on this page was last updated on 13 Oct 2021

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