About diltiazem hcl
Calcium channel blocker
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Angina (chest pain)
- Certain abnormal heart rhythms
Usual adult dose
Usually 30–60 mg three or four times daily for immediate-release tablets; dose depends on the condition.
Common side effects
- Dizziness or headache
- Flushing
- Swollen ankles
- Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
Important warnings
- May worsen heart failure or cause an excessively slow heartbeat.
- Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance.
- Use caution with liver disease or existing heart conduction problems.
- Immediate-release and extended-release tablets are not interchangeable.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; human pregnancy safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Diltiazem enters breast milk in small amounts; use requires consideration of benefits and risks.
Interactions
- Beta blockers and digoxin can further slow the heartbeat.
- Grapefruit may increase diltiazem levels.
- Some antibiotics and antifungals can raise diltiazem levels.
- Diltiazem can increase levels of medicines such as simvastatin.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.