Diltiazem

What is Diltiazem for?

Diltiazem is used to treat certain heart conditions such as irregular heartbeats. It can also be used to lower your blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.

How should I take or use Diltiazem?

• Do not stop taking your medicine without checking with your healthcare provider 
• You can take this medication with or without food

What should I do if I forget to take or use Diltiazem?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Diltiazem?

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you should inform your healthcare provider.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Diltiazem?

Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medicine as grapefruit may interact with your medicine and increase the risk of side effects.

This medicine can cause the heart rate to be slower and should be used with caution with other medicines that slow the heart rate e.g. digoxin, beta blockers and amiodarone. If you are taking these medicines together, make sure you go back to your doctor for regular check-ups.

There may be several other medicines that affect the level of this medicine in your body. Please see your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products and other traditional medicines. Please make sure that the doctor who treats you knows that you are on this medicine.

What are some common side effects of Diltiazem?

Leg swelling, headache and constipation (difficulties in passing stools) are some common side effects of this medicine. You may also experience dizziness and lightheadedness on getting up from a sitting or sleeping position. This medicine may decrease your heart rate.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

 If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medicine immediately and see your doctor.

Very rarely, this medicine can injure or damage the liver. A liver injury may recover on its own. However in some cases, it can cause serious liver damage. Stop this medicine and see a doctor immediately if you notice dark coloured urine or light coloured stools, or if you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or yellowing of your eyes or skin. This side effect has a very low chance of occurring. Most patients take this medicine with no problems. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding your medicines.

How should I store Diltiazem?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Throw away all expired medicines.

How do I throw away Diltiazem safely?

Pack this medicine into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

What should I do if I overdose?

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately.