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Diltiazem
INFORMATION ABOUT DILTIAZEM
Diltiazem Uses
Diltiazem is used in the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), Angina (heart-related chest pain), Arrhythmia and anal fissure.
How Diltiazem works
Diltiazem is used to treat angina (heart-related chest pain), high blood pressure, and some types of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). It is known as a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure. This helps to reduce the workload of the heart.
Common side effects of Diltiazem
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Edema (swelling)
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Syeda Aafia
MBA, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
21 May 2025 | 10:36 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Diltiazem
Expert advice for Diltiazem
- Diltiazem slows down the heartbeat and allows the blood vessels in the body to relax.
- This helps prevent angina attacks (chest pain caused by heart disease), certain abnormal heart rhythms, stroke and heart attack.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem as it may make the side effects worse.
- Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
- Diltiazem slows down the heartbeat and allows the blood vessels in the body to relax.
- This helps prevent angina attacks (chest pain caused by heart disease), certain abnormal heart rhythms, stroke and heart attack.
- It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- It may make you feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension). Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
- It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem as it may make the side effects worse.
Frequently asked questions for Diltiazem
No, Diltiazem is not a blood thinner. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker class of medicines. It is used to treat hypertension, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and angina (chest pain caused by a reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle).
Yes, Diltiazem may cause weight gain but not in everybody. However, if you are gaining weight while taking Diltiazem then consult your doctor or a nutritionist.
It is recommended to take Diltiazem at night and before meals. The dose will be decided by your doctor and should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
Yes, Diltiazem may cause sleeplessness. However, this effect is not observed in everyone. If this persists and worries you talk to your doctor.
You should not take Diltiazem if you are allergic to it, have an irregular or slow heartbeat, heart failure and low blood pressure. It should not be given to children and women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Symptoms of overdose of Diltiazem include slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat, fainting, difficulty breathing and seizures. It may also cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and increased sweating. If you experience any of such symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical services in a nearby hospital.
Your doctor will suggest the duration of time for which you need to take it. Do not stop it on your own or lower your dose. Suddenly stopping it may worsen angina or increase your blood pressure.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diltiazem. Additionally, avoid driving and using heavy machinery if you experience dizziness and a general feeling of being unwell during the treatment with Diltiazem. In addition to that, it is advised to avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Diltiazem.
The serious side effects of Diltiazem include severe allergic reaction, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea and extreme tiredness. It may also cause unusual bleeding or bruising, lack of energy, loss of appetite and pain in the stomach. One may also experience flu-like symptoms and an increase in the frequency or severity of chest pain (angina). If you experience any such symptoms immediately contact your doctor and seek medical help.