DILCONTIN XL 90

# Diltiazem 120 mg ## Short Description **Diltiazem 120 mg** is a **calcium channel blocker (CCB)** used to treat cardiovascular conditions such as **high blood pressure (hypertension)** and **angina (chest pain)**. Depending on the formulation, it may also be prescribed to help control certain abnormal heart rhythms, including **atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter**. Diltiazem relaxes blood vessels and slows electrical conduction through the heart, reducing blood pressure and the workload of the heart. > **Important:** Diltiazem 120 mg is available in different formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release products. Dosing and administration instructions can differ substantially between formulations. Always follow the specific product label and prescription. --- ## Key Benefits * Helps lower and control **high blood pressure**. * Helps prevent and manage certain types of **angina (chest pain)**. * Can slow an excessively rapid heart rate in selected arrhythmias. * Helps control the ventricular rate in certain patients with **atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter**. * Relaxes blood vessels and reduces the workload on the heart. * May improve blood flow to the heart muscle. --- ## Uses / Indications ### 1. Hypertension Diltiazem relaxes blood vessels, helping reduce **blood pressure** and the resistance against which the heart pumps. ### 2. Angina Diltiazem can be used to prevent or reduce episodes of: * Stable angina * Vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina It decreases the heart's oxygen demand and can improve coronary blood flow. ### 3. Certain Abnormal Heart Rhythms Diltiazem can slow conduction through the **atrioventricular (AV) node** and may be prescribed for ventricular rate control in selected patients with: * Atrial fibrillation * Atrial flutter * Certain supraventricular tachycardias > The specific approved indications depend on the formulation and local regulatory approval. --- ## How It Works Diltiazem is a **non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker**. It inhibits the movement of calcium into cardiac and vascular smooth-muscle cells. ### Effects on Blood Vessels Diltiazem relaxes vascular smooth muscle, causing: * Vasodilation * Reduced peripheral vascular resistance * Lower blood pressure ### Effects on the Heart Diltiazem can: * Slow the heart rate * Slow conduction through the AV node * Reduce the force of cardiac contraction to some extent * Reduce the heart's oxygen demand ### Simple Mechanism **Diltiazem → blocks L-type calcium channels → relaxes blood vessels + slows AV-node conduction → lowers blood pressure and helps control heart rate.** --- ## Dosage & Administration > **Diltiazem 120 mg may refer to different formulations. The dose should not be changed or substituted between formulations without medical advice.** ### For Hypertension or Angina The dose varies according to the formulation and individual response. A **120 mg dose may be used once daily with some extended-release preparations**, while other formulations may require divided doses. ### For Heart Rate Control Diltiazem dosing for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or other supraventricular tachycardias is individualized according to: * Heart rate * Blood pressure * Cardiac function * Other medicines * Clinical response ### How to Take * Take exactly as prescribed. * Take at approximately the same time each day when prescribed as a regular daily medicine. * Follow the instructions for your particular formulation. * Some extended-release tablets/capsules must be swallowed whole. * **Do not crush, chew or split modified-release formulations unless the product instructions specifically permit it.** * Diltiazem may be taken with or without food depending on the formulation; follow the product label. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take two doses together.** --- ## Side Effects ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Headache * Dizziness * Flushing * Tiredness * Weakness * Nausea * Constipation * Slow heart rate * Low blood pressure * Ankle or leg swelling ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you experience: * Fainting * Very slow or irregular heartbeat * Severe dizziness * New or worsening chest pain * Difficulty breathing * Severe swelling * Symptoms of heart failure * Severe allergic reaction Rarely, diltiazem may cause significant disturbances in **heart conduction or cardiac function**. --- ## Precautions & Warnings ### Slow Heart Rate Diltiazem can reduce heart rate. It may not be appropriate for people with significant **bradycardia** unless specifically advised by a specialist. ### Heart Block Diltiazem can slow electrical conduction through the AV node and should generally be avoided in certain types of **second- or third-degree heart block** unless appropriate pacing is present. ### Heart Failure Diltiazem can reduce cardiac contractility and may worsen certain types of heart failure, particularly **heart failure with reduced ejection fraction**. ### Low Blood Pressure Patients with low blood pressure should be assessed carefully before treatment. ### Liver Disease Diltiazem is extensively metabolized by the liver. People with liver impairment may require careful monitoring. ### Kidney Disease Patients with significant kidney impairment should inform their healthcare professional, as monitoring may be required. ### Elderly Patients Older adults may be more sensitive to blood-pressure and heart-rate effects and may require cautious dosing. ### Pregnancy Discuss diltiazem use with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. ### Breastfeeding Diltiazem passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your healthcare professional before using it while breastfeeding. ### Do Not Stop Without Medical Advice If diltiazem has been prescribed for a cardiovascular condition, do not stop it abruptly without discussing it with your healthcare professional. --- ## Drug Interactions ### Beta-Blockers Medicines such as **bisoprolol, atenolol or metoprolol** may further slow the heart rate and AV conduction when combined with diltiazem. The combination may increase the risk of: * Bradycardia * Heart block * Low blood pressure * Reduced cardiac function ### Digoxin Diltiazem may increase digoxin concentrations and can also add to its heart-rate-lowering effects. ### Other Heart-Rhythm Medicines Combining diltiazem with certain antiarrhythmic medicines can increase the risk of excessive slowing of the heart or conduction abnormalities. ### Statins Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase concentrations of certain statins, particularly **simvastatin**. Dose restrictions may apply. ### Certain Antifungals and Antibiotics Medicines such as some azole antifungals and macrolide antibiotics can increase diltiazem exposure. ### Rifampicin Rifampicin can substantially reduce diltiazem concentrations and may decrease its effectiveness. ### Cyclosporine and Other CYP3A4 Substrates Diltiazem can increase concentrations of certain medicines metabolized through CYP3A4. ### Grapefruit Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase diltiazem exposure in some circumstances. Ask your healthcare professional whether you should avoid grapefruit products. > Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about **all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements** you take. --- ## Storage Information * Store at the temperature specified on the product label. * Keep tablets or capsules in their original packaging. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. * Keep the container tightly closed when applicable. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. --- ## Prescription Status **Diltiazem 120 mg is generally a prescription medicine.** It should be used under medical supervision because it can significantly affect **blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac conduction**. --- ## Genuine Medicine Assurance When purchasing **Diltiazem 120 mg**: * Purchase from a **licensed and reputable pharmacy**. * Verify the exact strength and formulation. * Check whether the product is immediate-release or extended-release. * Check the manufacturer's name. * Verify the batch/lot number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and blister strips are intact. * Check product labeling and registration information where applicable. * Avoid products with suspicious or altered packaging. * Do not purchase prescription medicines from unauthorized sellers. * If you suspect a counterfeit medicine, contact the manufacturer, licensed pharmacy or relevant medicines regulatory authority. --- # Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### 1. What is Diltiazem 120 mg used for? Diltiazem 120 mg may be used to treat **high blood pressure and angina**. Certain formulations are also used to control heart rate in selected arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. ### 2. Is Diltiazem a beta-blocker? No. Diltiazem is a **non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker**. ### 3. How does Diltiazem lower blood pressure? It blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, causing blood vessels to relax and reducing vascular resistance. ### 4. Does Diltiazem slow the heart rate? Yes. Diltiazem can slow the heart rate and particularly slows electrical conduction through the **AV node**. ### 5. Can Diltiazem be used for atrial fibrillation? Certain diltiazem formulations can be used for **ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter** when clinically appropriate. ### 6. Can Diltiazem treat angina? Yes. Diltiazem can help prevent angina by reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand and improving coronary blood flow. ### 7. Is Diltiazem 120 mg an extended-release medicine? It can be, but **120 mg is available in different formulations**. Some are extended-release while others may be immediate-release. Always check the specific product label. ### 8. Can I crush Diltiazem 120 mg tablets? Do not crush or chew an extended-release tablet or capsule unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is safe. Check the product instructions or ask your pharmacist. ### 9. Can Diltiazem cause constipation? Yes. **Constipation** is a relatively common side effect of diltiazem. ### 10. Can Diltiazem cause dizziness? Yes. Diltiazem can lower blood pressure and may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when treatment is started or the dose is changed. ### 11. Can Diltiazem cause a slow heartbeat? Yes. Because it slows AV-node conduction, diltiazem can cause **bradycardia** in some patients. ### 12. Can I take Diltiazem with Bisoprolol? The combination can excessively slow the heart rate or impair cardiac conduction. It should be used together **only when specifically prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional**. ### 13. Can I take Diltiazem with Digoxin? Diltiazem can increase digoxin levels and both medicines can slow the heart rate. Medical monitoring may therefore be necessary. ### 14. Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Diltiazem? Grapefruit may increase diltiazem exposure in some people. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. ### 15. Can Diltiazem be used during pregnancy? Use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional, who can assess the potential benefits and risks. ### 16. Can Diltiazem be used while breastfeeding? Diltiazem passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your healthcare professional before using it while breastfeeding. ### 17. What should I do if I miss a dose of Diltiazem? Take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take a double dose.** ### 18. Can I stop Diltiazem suddenly? Do not stop prescribed diltiazem without consulting your healthcare professional, particularly if it is being used for angina, hypertension or a heart-rhythm condition. ### 19. Does Diltiazem cure high blood pressure? Diltiazem helps **control blood pressure** but does not permanently cure hypertension. Long-term treatment and lifestyle measures may be required. ### 20. Is Diltiazem 120 mg available without a prescription? Diltiazem is generally a **prescription-only medicine**, although specific regulations vary by country. --- ## Medical Disclaimer This information about **Diltiazem 120 mg** is provided for educational and general informational purposes only. It is **not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment**. Diltiazem is available in different formulations, and the appropriate dose and administration schedule depend on the specific formulation and medical condition. It can significantly affect **heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac conduction**. Patients with significant bradycardia, heart block, low blood pressure or certain forms of heart failure require particular medical assessment before using diltiazem. **Do not start, stop, crush, split, or change the dose of Diltiazem 120 mg without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.** Seek prompt medical attention for fainting, severe dizziness, very slow heartbeat, difficulty breathing or new/worsening chest pain.