Diltiazem is a drug to lower blood pressure in hypertension . In addition, this drug can also be used to prevent chest pain (angina).
Diltiazem works by dilating blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and easing the heart's workload in pumping blood. Thus, blood flow in the body becomes smooth and the supply of blood and oxygen throughout the body, including to the heart, also increases.
Diltiazem trademarks: Cordila SR, Dilmen , Diltiazem, Farmabes, Herbesser
What is Diltiazem
| class | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Calcium antagonist |
| Benefit | Lowering blood pressure in hypertension and preventing chest pain (angina) |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Diltiazem for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Diltiazem can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, slow-release capsules, and injections |
Precautions Before Using Diltiazem
There are several things that you need to pay attention to before using diltiazem, namely:
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to diltiazem or other calcium antagonists.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had arrhythmias , diabetes, hypotension , liver disease, kidney disease , asthma, porphyria , or an obstruction in the digestive tract, such as a hernia.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and are developing pulmonary edema .
- Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while on treatment with diltiazem.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements, to prevent drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking diltiazem before any medical or surgical procedure, including dental surgery.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or overdose, after using diltiazem.
Dosage and Rules for Using Diltiazem
The use and dose of oral diltiazem for children will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition. Meanwhile, the dose of diltiazem for adult and elderly patients is:
Condition : Hypertension (slow-release capsules)
- Adult: Initial dose is 90–120 mg, 2 times per day. Dosage can be increased up to 360 mg per day.
- Elderly: Initial dose is 60 mg, 2 times per day. The dose can be increased slowly to 240 mg per day.
Condition : Chest pain ( angina pectoris )
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Adults
Quick-release tablets: 30 mg, 4 times daily. The dose can be increased to 360 mg per day.
Slow-release capsules: 60 mg, 3 times per day. The dose can be increased to 480 mg per day.
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Elderly
Slow-release capsules: 60 mg, 2 times per day. The dose may be increased to 240 mg per day if the heart rate is >50 beats per minute.
Apart from oral form, diltiazem is also available in injection form. Diltiazem in injection form can be used to treat arrhythmias. The dosage will be determined by the doctor and administration needs to be done under close supervision.
How to Use Diltiazem Properly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the rules for use on the packaging before using diltiazem.
Diltiazem tablets or sustained-release capsules can be taken with or without food. Swallow diltiazem sustained-release capsules whole. Do not crush, split, or void diltiazem sustained release capsules.
If you forget to take diltiazem, consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Do not stop taking diltiazem without your doctor's permission even if your condition improves. Try to keep spending the dose that has been given by the doctor.
Perform regular blood pressure checks while using diltiazem to monitor the progress of the body's condition.
Store diltiazem at room temperature. Avoid this drug from exposure to direct sunlight and damp places.
Diltiazem Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are a number of interactions that can occur if diltiazem is used with certain medicines:
- Increased levels of corticosteroid drugs, carbamazepine , phenytoin, cilostazol, benzodiazepines, or ciclosporin , in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of side effects
- Increased risk of bradycardia when used with beta-blocker drugs, or other drugs, such as amiodarone , ivabradine, digoxin, or clonidine
- Increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis if used with statin class drugs, such as simvastatin
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of diltiazem when used with rifampicin
Diltiazem Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may occur after using diltiazem are:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Feeling restless or unable to stay still
- Weakness
- Stomach ache
- Constipation
- Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
Check with your doctor if the complaint doesn't go away or gets worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Blurred vision, cold sweat
- Faint
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Jaundice
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Dark urine
- Mood changes