Does Diltiazem Lower Heart Rate

Diltiazem In The Treatment Of Hypertension

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Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the blood force against the arteries walls is persistently elevated. Untreated hypertension is a major risk factor for a number of cardiovascular disorders. In this regard, calcium antagonists are a first-line treatment for hypertension . Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of diltiazem for the treatment of high blood pressure. Diltiazem can be used as monotherapy or in association with other antihypertensive drugs. The usual starting doses are 120240 mg/day, and it may be increased up to 540 mg/day based on individual patient needs. The dosage range studied in clinical trials was 120540 mg/day, although current clinical experience with the 540 mg dose is limited .

Thus, two independent multicenter studies assessed the safety and efficacy of various once-daily doses of diltiazem in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension . In one study, patients were randomly treated with once-daily diltiazem or placebo for 4 weeks, and in the second study, patients were assigned to escalating dosages . The data demonstrated that once-daily doses higher than 120 mg significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo. Additionally, adverse events were mild and with an incidence similar to placebo.

Carvedilol May Interact With Other Medications

Carvedilol oral tablet can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. Thats why your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. If youre curious about how this drug might interact with something else youre taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: You can reduce your chances of drug interactions by having all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. That way, a pharmacist can check for possible drug interactions.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with carvedilol are listed below.

Where Should I Keep My Medicine

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C . Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Precautions Before Taking Diltiazem

Do you have problems with your kidneys, lungs or liver?
Do you have heart problems such as heart failure, a slow heart rate, low blood pressure or have you had a heart attack recently?
Do you have diabetes?
Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding?
Are you taking any other medicines? This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

If so, its important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start diltiazem. Sometimes a medicine isnt suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Generic Name: Diltiazem Tablet

BRAND NAME: Cardizem

USES: Diltiazem is used to prevent chest pain . It may help to increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you may get angina attacks. Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart and lowers the heart rate. Blood can flow more easily and your heart works less hard to pump blood.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.Diltiazem may also be used to control your heart rate if you have a fast/irregular heartbeat . Long-acting forms of diltiazem may be used to treat high blood pressure. If your doctor prescribes diltiazem to treat high blood pressure, check with your pharmacist to make sure you are getting the correct form of diltiazem.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Cautions With Other Medicines

Some medicines can interfere with the way diltiazem works.

Taking diltiazem with other medicines that lower blood pressure can sometimes lower your blood pressure too much. This may make you feel dizzy or faint. If this happens to you, tell your doctor, as your dose may need to be changed.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines before starting diltiazem:

medicines to treat epilepsy, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
medicines to suppress your immune system, such as ciclosporin or tacrolimus
more than 20mg a day of simvastatin

Taking diltiazem with painkillers

Paracetamol is the best painkiller to take while you’re taking diltiazem. If paracetamol does not work, try ibuprofen.

Talk to your doctor if you need to take painkillers more than a few times a week.

Mixing diltiazem with herbal remedies or supplements

St John’s wort is a herbal medicine taken for depression. It is thought to interfere with the way diltiazem works.

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re thinking about taking St John’s wort.

Dosage For High Blood Pressure

Adult dosage

The recommended starting dose is 6.25 mg taken twice per day.
It can be increased after 7 to 14 days based on your blood pressure level one hour after your dose.
Your dosage can be first increased to 12.5 mg taken twice per day. It can be increased again to 25 mg taken twice per day.
The total dosage shouldnt go over 50 mg per day.

Child dosage

A safe and effective dosage hasnt been established for this age group.

Special considerations

For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, your doctor will closely monitor you during treatment. They may lower your dose or stop treatment if your kidney function gets worse.

Warnings

Your doctor will monitor you closely during dosage increases.

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Interactions Between Diltiazem And Other Medications

Diltiazem may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with diltiazem . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Cisapride

Why Is This Medication Prescribed

Does Having A Lower Heart Rate Make You Fitter?

Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina . Diltiazem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

High blood pressure is a common condition, and when not treated it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

What May Interact With This Medicine

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

cisapride

medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping like midazolam and triazolam
medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
quinidine
rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What Are The Side Effects Of Diltiazem

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

Sudden weight gain, swelling in the feet or ankles, pain in the abdomen, or shortness of breath not related to exercise
Yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stool, dark urine
Fever, sore throat, irritated eyes, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

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Who Can And Cannot Take Diltiazem

Diltiazem can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and over.

Diltiazem is not suitable for some people.

To make sure diltiazem is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

have had an allergic reaction to diltiazem or any other medicines in the past
are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you’re breastfeeding
have heart failure or problems with your heart beat
have a condition that causes food to move slower than usual through your body
have porphyria

Getting Further Supplies Of Dronedarone

You may find that your GP is unable to continue to provide you with further supplies of dronedarone tablets. This is due to funding restrictions by the Clinical Commissioning Groups .

Your GP may prescribe dronedarone for you if they have an agreement from the hospital, known as a shared care document. This details the responsibilities of both the GP and the hospital.

If you are having difficulties obtaining a regular supply of your tablets, please contact , senior arrhythmia pharmacist.

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm. It is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the UK.

More Common Side Effects

The more common side effects that occur with diltiazem include:

headache

swelling in face or tongue

red or purple rash that spreads on your skin

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Pharmacist Tips For Diltiazem

Diltiazem can cause dizziness or fatigue when first started, or when the dose is increased.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the drugs that you’re taking. Diltiazem may interact with other medications such as statins and blood pressure medications.

Diltiazem can cause gum overgrowth. Ask your dentist to check for this.

Prices for diltiazem start at just $12.67 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyre fast, easy-to-use and free!

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How To Take Diltiazem

Timing: Diltiazem capsules are usually taken once a day. Take your dose at about the same time each day. You can take diltiazem capsules with or without food.
Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not open or chew them. The slow-release capsules have been designed to release the right dose of medicine slowly. If you open or chew them, they will not work properly.
Limit drinking alcohol while you are taking diltiazem. Alcohol may increase your chance of side-effects, such as feeling dizzy or light-headed.
Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
Do not stop taking diltiazem suddenly. Speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

How To Use Cardizem

How Do I Lower My Heart Rate Quickly?

Take this medication by mouth before meals and at bedtime as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Follow your doctor’s directions on how to take this medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use . Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. This medication must be taken regularly to prevent angina. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens .

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Diltiazem May Interact With Other Medications

Diltiazem oral capsule can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs youre taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else youre taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with diltiazem are listed below.

Urgent Advice: Contact 111 For Advice If:

you take too much diltiazem

Too much diltiazem can make you feel faint, dizzy or sleepy. This is because it can cause your heart to beat irregularly.

If you need to go to hospital, do not drive yourself get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance. Find your nearest A& E

Take the diltiazem packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Diltiazem

What’s the difference between the immediate release and the extended release version of diltiazem ?

The immediate release version of diltiazem is approved to treat chest pain only and is taken 4 times daily. The extended release version is approved to treat both chest pain and high blood pressure and is taken once daily.

Do you need to take diltiazem with food?

Diltiazem should be taken before meals. The ER formulations can usually be taken with or without food.

Should diltiazem be taken in the morning or at night?

Since diltiazem wears off quickly, it should be taken throughout the day at the same times each day. The ER formulation can be taken either in the morning or at bedtime and will work best if you take it at the same time each day.

Does diltiazem lower your heart rate?

Yes. Though uncommon, diltiazem can lower your heart rate. In some cases, it may make your heart rate too low, causing you to feel tired or weak. If this happens, you should seek medical attention.

What Is This Medicine

DILTIAZEM is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat chest pain caused by angina.

This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME: Cardizem

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Diltiazem In The Treatment Of Chronic Stable Angina

A number of studies have analyzed the effects of diltiazem in stable and acute angina. It has been shown that diltiazem increases tolerance to exercise, likely due to its potent dilator effect on coronary arteries, leading to reduction in both heart rate and systemic blood pressure at submaximal and maximal workloads .

What If I Forget To Take It

If you forget to take a dose and you usually take diltiazem:

once a dayâ take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose. In this case, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
twice a dayâ take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s less than 4 hours until your next dose. In this case, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
three times a dayâ leave out that dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

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How Should I Use This Medicine

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. This medicine is usually taken before meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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