Diltiazem Tablets IP

Diltiazem Tablets IP 30 mg/60 mg

The most prescribed calcium channel blockers are non-dihydropyridines such as diltiazem. Diltiazem is used to control chest pain (angina) and to treat high blood pressure. This medicine works by dilating (widening) the blood vessels and making the heart less hardworking for the patient. 

The drug is also helpful with some simple therapies and treats atrial arrhythmia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and pulmonary hypertension. Diltiazem is useful for controlling these serious conditions, but not for curing them. This article will discuss tab diltiazem, what it is, its uses, and its side effects.

What Do You Mean by Diltiazem?

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) of the benzothiazepine group of medications. The medicine stops the calcium from entering cells of the heart and blood vessels and makes these cells relax. Your blood can flow through larger blood vessels into the rest of your body, and your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Patients will notice immediate effects of the medicine, since immediate-release tablets begin to function within 30-60 minutes. 

Diltiazem Uses

Your doctor might prescribe diltiazem to:

• Control high blood pressure.
• Relieve chest pain (angina).
• Control the high heart rate associated with atrial fibrillation.
• Treat anal fissures with cream or ointment.
• Decrease Raynaud’s phenomenon symptoms.

How to Use?

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully while taking diltiazem. 
• May be taken with or without food, but at the same time daily. 
• Tablets or capsules should never be chewed—always swallowed with water. 
• Apply 2.5 cm of diltiazem cream or ointment twice a day around the base of your behind if you have anal fissures. Always use according to the package or your doctor’s directions.
• If a dose has been forgotten, take it when remembered but not shortly afterwards.
• Store medicine at normal room temperature and in a closed container. Do not keep near heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. 

Side Effects of Diltiazem Tablet

Side effects include: 

• Ankle swelling
• Thirsty throat
• Body pain
• Constipation 
• Palpitations
• Dizziness or sleepiness
• Orthostatic hypotension

If you have severe stomach pain, yellow skin/eyes, or an abnormal heart rate, call the doctor for urgent attention.

Precautions

• Patients that have extremely low blood pressure, severe heart block, or certain lung diseases should not take diltiazem.
• May become dizzy or faint with rapid movement to the standing position. If it does, rest until it subsides and then slowly sit up, followed by standing up. 
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines.
• Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine.
• The mechanism of action of Diltiazem Tablet.
• This is a medicine that is classified as a benzothiazepine or belongs to a group of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. The drug will inhibit the conductance of CALCIUM ions through the cell during contraction of cardiac muscle cells.
• Your blood vessels dilate and give blood a smoother, easier ride. This is a natural remedy affecting your blood pressure. Diltiazem also will make your heart work less and use less oxygen.

Dosing Information

• At high dosage for high blood pressure, the dosage is 180-240 mg a day, which is further increased to 480 mg. 
• If you are taking it for chest pain, begin at a starting dose of 30 mg 4 times daily (tablets) or 120-180 mg daily (extended-release).
• Long-acting (also called “extended-release”) versions allow you to take one pill a day. Older individuals typically are begun on lower doses; the initial dose is based on kidney function (glomerular filtration rate).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is diltiazem tablet a high-risk drug?

The major risks associated with taking diltiazem are heart-related side effects. These include bradycardia (low heart rate), different heart blocks, and hypotension (low blood pressure). Overall, however, most patients suffer well from it with appropriate medical monitoring. 

Is diltiazem NOT an antibiotic?

Diltiazem is NOT an antibiotic. This medicine is a calcium channel blocker (Ca2 blocker) drug, which can loosen blood vessels and ease the work of the heart. The drug is used for treating cardiovascular diseases, not infections, as antibiotics do.

How Diltiazem works?

The drug is rapidly absorbed into the body. Oral doses cause the blood level to become detectable within 30-60 minutes. The peak effect is reached 2–4 hours after giving. It can take several weeks of taking your medicine regularly to get your blood pressure under control.

What will occur if I don’t take the medicine as scheduled?

Daily dosage should be taken within 12 hours of the given time. Twice-a-day regimens: 4 hours. If taken outside of these times, skip the dose and resume as normal. Double doses should NEVER be taken to make up for missed doses.

What is the result of an overdose?

Toxic diltiazem can be life-threatening. Symptoms are dizziness, fainting, abnormal heart rhythm, breathing problems, and confusion. An overdose puts emergency medical attention into play. Treatment consists of medical management with enemas, activated charcoal and supportive measures.