Diltiazem Indication.
For the treatment of Hypertension
Diltiazem Contraindications.
Diltiazem is contraindicated in patients with sick sinus syndrome except in the presence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker, (2) patients with second- or third-degree AV block except in the presence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker, (3) patients with severe hypotension (less than 90 mm Hg systolic), (4) patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug, and (5) patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by x-ray on admission.
Diltiazem Prescription.
Diltiazem is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and to control chest pain (angina). Diltiazem is in a class of prescription called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
A benzothiazepine derivative with vasodilating action due to its antagonism of the actions of the calcium ion in membrane functions. It is also teratogenic.
How should Diltiazem be used?
Diltiazem comes as a tablet and an extended- or dual-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken three or four times a day with or without food. The capsule is usually taken one or two times a day. The extended-release capsule (Diltiazem SR, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT) should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The extended-release capsule (Tiazac) may be taken with or without food. The dual-release capsule (Diltiazem CD) may be taken with food.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of diltiazem and gradually increase your dose.
If taken regularly, diltiazem controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different prescription to take when you have chest pain.
Diltiazem controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of diltiazem.
Diltiazem, a benzothiazepine calcium-channel blocker, is used alone or with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, to treat hypertension, chronic stable angina pectoris, and Prinzmetal's variant angina. Diltiazem is similar to other peripheral vasodilators. Diltiazem inhibits the influx of extra cellular calcium across the myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cell membranes possibly by deforming the channel, inhibiting ion-control gating mechanisms, and/or interfering with the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The decrease in intracellular calcium inhibits the contractile processes of the myocardial smooth muscle cells, causing dilation of the coronary and systemic arteries, increased oxygen delivery to the myocardial tissue, decreased total peripheral resistance, decreased systemic blood pressure, and decreased afterload.
Diltiazem side effects.
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- difficulty breathing or swallowing;
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- dry mouth;
- excessive tiredness;
- fainting;
- fever;
- flushing (feeling of warmth);
- headache;
- increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina);
- loss of appetite;
- rash;
- slower heartbeat;
- stomach pain;
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs;
- upset stomach;
- vomiting;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes;
