Diltiazem

About Diltiazem

This belongs to the group of medicines known as calcium channel blockers.

Diltiazem is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina (chest pain). Angina occurs when the heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen.

Diltiazem works by relaxing and opening up the blood vessels. This allows blood to circulate more freely around the body, lowering blood pressure and allowing the heart to work more efficiently.

Diltiazem is available in tablet and capsule form.

It is also available as a modified release preparation, which means Diltiazem is released slowly over the day to give a more even effect. Important: different brands of modified release Diltiazem have different effects and you should take the same brand each time you have a prescription. If the pack or the medicine looks different, check with your pharmacist before taking any.

It is also sometimes known as: Adizem SR; Adizem XL; Angitil SR; Angitil XL; Calcicard CR; Dilcardia SR; Dilzem SR; Dilzem XL; Slozem; Tildiem; Tildiem LA; Tildiem Retard; Viazem XL; Zemtard XL. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Diltiazem

Before taking Diltiazem make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from any heart problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Diltiazem

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Diltiazem should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed with a glass of water.
• Try to take Diltiazem at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. If it is nearly time for your next dose, take it on time and leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate, if in doubt speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not stop taking Diltiazem without speaking to your doctor first.
• Diltiazem is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Diltiazem contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Diltiazem.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking this medicine.
• Diltiazem may cause dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• When you first start taking Diltiazem you may experience headaches, hot flushes and swollen ankles. This usually goes away a few days after starting treatment.
• Diltiazem may cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is, try to avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds or use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• Diltiazem can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If your mouth becomes too dry, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Diltiazem may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and by drinking plenty of water.

Can Diltiazem cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These should improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Slow heartbeat, dizziness, generally feeling unwell, weakness, headache, hot flushes, tummy upset, feeling sick, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, swollen legs and ankles, skin rashes, sore gums or dry mouth, enlargement of the breasts in women and men.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Diltiazem

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/02/2005