Diltiazem - Save Up to 90% with Coupons, Discounts & Assistance Programs

Diltiazem is available as a 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, and 300 mg extended-release oral capsule.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) used for high blood pressure and chest pain.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by slowing your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure. This also helps your heart to get more oxygen so it doesn’t need to work as hard to pump, which can help with chest pain.

Diltiazem is typically taken by mouth once daily.

Diltiazem is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have sick sinus syndrome except in the presence of a
functioning ventricular pacemaker, second- or third-degree AV block except in
the presence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker, hypotension (less than 90 mm Hg systolic), or acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by x-ray on admission.

Common side effects of Diltiazem include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Low heart rate
• Swelling
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Palpitations (racing heart)
• Nervousness
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Weakness

Serious side effects are rare with Diltiazem. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following. Liver problems: severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, low or no appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes Serious allergic and skin reactions: sore throat, fever, fatigue, rash, hives, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, swollen lymph nodes Heart failure: chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, tiredness, swollen legs and feet, bloating

The following medications may interact with Diltiazem:

• Anesthetics – When used concomitantly, anesthetics and calcium blockers should be titrated carefully
• Benzodiazepines – Studies showed that taking these medications together can result inincreased clinical effects (e.g., prolonged sedation) of both midazolam and triazolam
• Buspirone – Diltiazem may significantly cause enhanced effects and increased toxicity of buspirone
• Carbamazepine – Concomitant administration of Diltiazem with carbamazepine has been reported to result in elevated serum levels of carbamazepine (40% to 72% increase), resulting in toxicity in some cases
• Clonidine – Sinus bradycardia resulting in hospitalization and pacemaker insertion has been reported in association with the use of clonidine concurrently with Diltiazem
• Cyclosporine – In renal and cardiac transplant recipients, a reduction of cyclosporine dose ranging from 15% to 48% was necessary to maintain cyclosporine trough concentrations similar to those seen prior to the addition of Diltiazem
• Digitalis – Administration of Diltiazem with digoxin may increase plasma digoxin. It is recommended that digoxin levels be monitored when initiating, adjusting, and discontinuing Diltiazem therapy to avoid possible over- or underdigitalization
• Quinidine – Monitoring for quinidine adverse effects may be warranted and the dose adjusted accordingly
• Rifampin – Coadministration of rifampin with Diltiazem lowered the Diltiazem plasma concentrations to undetectable levels. Coadministration of Diltiazem with rifampin or any known CYP3A4 inducer should be avoided when possible, and alternative therapy considered
• Statins – Diltiazem is an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and has been shown to increase significantly the levels of some statins

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

It is not known if Diltiazem will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving Diltiazem, talk to your healthcare provider.

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