Have you ever been prescribed medication by your doctor for high blood pressure or angina? If so, you may have heard of and perhaps even used a medication called Diltiazem. This medication comes under various brand names like Cardizem, Tiazac, Cartia XT. It is a very commonly prescribed medication. So today, let's talk about this medication in simple terms, how it works, and what to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is this? What does it do?
Simply put, Diltiazem is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and a specific type of chest pain, known as angina.
Think of the blood vessels in your body as pipes that carry water. High blood pressure means high pressure inside these pipes. This medicine relaxes the blood vessels. This reduces the workload on the heart to pump blood. In medical terms, we call the type of medicine that works in this way Calcium Channel Blockers .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, if you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely inform your doctor about it.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have had a heart attack before | This medicine requires special care because it affects heart function. |
| If you have other heart diseases or irregular heartbeats | This information is essential to determine the dosage and type of medication. |
| If you have low blood pressure | This medication can further lower blood pressure, so it's important to be aware of that. |
| If you have allergies to diltiazem or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to avoid allergies. |
| If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant | Some medications may be inappropriate during pregnancy. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is important to inform the child about this because the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. Make this a habit.
- Swallow, don't chew: This is the most important thing. These extended-release capsules are designed to release the medicine slowly into the body. So never cut, crush, or chew these capsules . Swallow them whole with water.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take the medicine with a small meal.
- Don't stop: Keep taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping it suddenly can cause problems.
Do you give it to small children?
This medicine is not usually given to young children. However, if a doctor prescribes it in a special case, it is only used under special care.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
Imagine that you have taken too much of this medicine. If that happens, don't panic. But you need to act quickly. Immediately call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to someone else just because they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Diltiazem is a medication that can interact with some other medications and herbal remedies, so it's important to be aware of this.
| Never take these with Diltiazem. | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Hawthorn (herbal medicine) |
| Pimozide | Ranolazine |
| Red yeast rice | |
In addition, the following medications may interact with Diltiazem. If you are taking any of these, you should tell your doctor.
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. Lovastatin)
- Medicines for heart disease, such as Digoxin and Quinidine
- Medications for anxiety or insomnia (e.g., Buspirone, Midazolam, Triazolam)
- Cyclosporine, Cimetidine, Carbamazepine
- Some medicines used for tuberculosis (e.g. Rifampin)
- Anesthetics used during surgery
This list may not be complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Regular check-ups: Visit your doctor on regular dates to check your condition. If you are someone who monitors your blood pressure at home, ask your doctor what your ideal blood pressure should be.
- Medications for other illnesses: Do not go to a pharmacy and buy over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or body aches while you are taking this medicine. Some painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can increase your blood pressure . Therefore, consult your doctor before taking anything.
- Skin changes: This is very important.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel dizzy and drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up from a sitting position or a standing position suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Do these things slowly.
- Diltiazem is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
- Take this medicine at the same time every day. Do not crush, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as severe skin allergies, abnormally low heart rate, or fainting.
- Do not stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These can occur even weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms such as fever or chills, if the rash turns red/purple and blisters, if the skin seems to be peeling, or if you develop red rashes with swollen lymph nodes in the face, lips, neck, or armpits , see your doctor immediately .
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Diltiazem can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them.
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow/brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Skin blistering or peeling | Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation | Difficulty going to the toilet. |
| Facial flushing | The face turns red and feels hot. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
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