DILZEM-60MG

# Diltiazem 60 mg ## Short Description **Diltiazem 60 mg** is a prescription **calcium channel blocker (CCB)** used to treat conditions such as **high blood pressure (hypertension)** and **angina (chest pain)**. Depending on the formulation and clinical situation, diltiazem may also be used to help control certain abnormal heart rhythms. Diltiazem works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing electrical conduction through the heart, helping reduce blood pressure and the workload of the heart. > **Important:** Diltiazem 60 mg immediate-release tablets and extended-release formulations are not interchangeable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. Always follow the specific product instructions. --- ## Key Benefits * Helps **lower high blood pressure**. * Helps prevent and manage certain types of **angina (chest pain)**. * Relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. * Reduces the workload and oxygen demand of the heart. * Can slow the heart rate in certain **supraventricular arrhythmias**. * May help control ventricular rate in selected patients with **atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter**, when clinically appropriate. --- ## Uses / Indications ### 1. Hypertension Diltiazem can be used to lower blood pressure in adults with **hypertension**. ### 2. Angina It may be prescribed for: * Chronic stable angina * Vasospastic (Prinzmetal) angina By reducing the heart's workload and oxygen demand, diltiazem can help prevent episodes of chest pain. ### 3. Certain Heart Rhythm Disorders Depending on the formulation and clinical circumstances, diltiazem may be used to control the heart rate in: * Atrial fibrillation * Atrial flutter * Certain supraventricular tachycardias > The exact approved indications vary by country and formulation. --- ## How It Works Diltiazem is a **non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker**. It reduces the movement of calcium into cardiac muscle and vascular smooth-muscle cells. This produces two important effects: ### On Blood Vessels Diltiazem relaxes vascular smooth muscle, causing: * Vasodilation * Reduced peripheral resistance * Improved coronary blood flow * Lower blood pressure ### On the Heart Diltiazem can: * Slow conduction through the **AV node**. * Reduce heart rate. * Decrease the force of contraction to some degree. * 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 > **Dosage depends on the formulation, medical condition and individual response.** ### Adults For **immediate-release diltiazem tablets**, dosing is commonly divided throughout the day. A 60 mg tablet may be prescribed at intervals determined by the healthcare professional. For hypertension or angina, the total daily dose is individualized and may be adjusted gradually according to response. ### Important Formulation Warning Diltiazem is available as: * Immediate-release tablets * Extended-release capsules * Extended-release tablets **Do not substitute one formulation for another without medical advice.** ### How to Take * Take exactly as prescribed. * Immediate-release tablets may be taken with or without food, depending on the product. * Some extended-release formulations have specific food instructions. * Swallow extended-release products whole unless the product information specifically allows another method. * Take doses at consistent times. ### 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 * Fatigue * Nausea * Constipation * Low blood pressure * Slow heart rate * Ankle or peripheral swelling ### Heart-Related Effects Because diltiazem slows heart conduction, it can occasionally cause: * Bradycardia * Heart block * Changes in heart rhythm * Worsening heart failure in susceptible patients ### Serious Side Effects Seek urgent medical attention for: * Fainting * Severe dizziness * Very slow or irregular heartbeat * Severe shortness of breath * Chest pain that is new, severe or worsening * Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat * Severe allergic reaction --- ## Precautions & Warnings ### Low Heart Rate Diltiazem can slow the heart rate. Caution is required in patients with: * Bradycardia * Sick sinus syndrome * Certain conduction abnormalities ### Heart Block Diltiazem may worsen certain types of **AV block**, particularly in patients without an appropriate pacemaker. ### Heart Failure Because diltiazem can reduce cardiac contractility, it may not be appropriate for some patients with **reduced heart function or certain types of heart failure**. ### Low Blood Pressure Diltiazem can cause hypotension, particularly when combined with other medicines that lower blood pressure. ### Liver Disease Diltiazem is extensively metabolized by the liver. Patients with liver impairment may require careful monitoring. ### Kidney Disease Tell your healthcare professional if you have kidney disease, as monitoring may be appropriate. ### Elderly Patients Older adults may be more sensitive to blood-pressure and heart-rate effects. ### Pregnancy Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Diltiazem should be used during pregnancy only when specifically considered appropriate. ### Breastfeeding Diltiazem passes into breast milk in small amounts. Discuss its use with your healthcare professional if breastfeeding. --- ## Drug Interactions ### Beta-Blockers Medicines such as: * Metoprolol * Atenolol * Propranolol may have additive effects with diltiazem, increasing the risk of: * Slow heart rate * Low blood pressure * Heart block * Reduced cardiac function ### Digoxin Diltiazem can increase digoxin concentrations and may increase the risk of toxicity. Monitoring may be necessary. ### Other Blood-Pressure Medicines Combining diltiazem with other antihypertensives can produce an additive blood-pressure-lowering effect. ### Statins Diltiazem can increase blood levels of certain statins, particularly **simvastatin**, potentially increasing the risk of muscle toxicity. ### CYP3A4 Substrates Diltiazem inhibits **CYP3A4** and can increase concentrations of several medicines metabolized through this pathway. ### Certain Antiarrhythmics Combination with other medicines affecting cardiac conduction may increase the risk of excessive slowing of the heart or conduction abnormalities. ### Grapefruit Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase diltiazem exposure in some patients. 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 use. --- ## Storage Information * Store at **room temperature**, according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Protect from excessive heat and moisture. * Keep away from direct sunlight. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. --- ## Prescription Status **Diltiazem 60 mg is generally a prescription medicine.** Because it can affect **heart rate, cardiac conduction and blood pressure**, appropriate medical supervision is recommended. --- ## Genuine Medicine Assurance When purchasing **Diltiazem 60 mg**: * Purchase only from a **licensed and reputable pharmacy**. * Verify the active ingredient and **60 mg strength**. * Check whether the product is immediate-release or extended-release. * Verify the manufacturer's name and regulatory information. * Check the batch/lot number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging is sealed and undamaged. * Check that the tablets and packaging match the manufacturer's information. * Avoid products with altered labels or suspicious packaging. * Do not purchase prescription medicines from unauthorized sellers. * Keep the medicine in its original packaging. * If counterfeit medicine is suspected, contact the manufacturer, licensed pharmacy or relevant medicines regulatory authority. --- # Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### 1. What is Diltiazem 60 mg used for? Diltiazem 60 mg is used to treat **high blood pressure and angina**. Depending on the formulation and clinical circumstances, it may also be used to control certain abnormal heart rhythms. ### 2. Is Diltiazem a calcium channel blocker? Yes. Diltiazem is a **non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker**. ### 3. How does Diltiazem 60 mg work? It blocks L-type calcium channels, causing blood vessels to relax and slowing electrical conduction through the AV node of the heart. ### 4. Does Diltiazem lower blood pressure? Yes. Diltiazem relaxes blood vessels and reduces vascular resistance, which helps **lower blood pressure**. ### 5. Does Diltiazem slow the heart rate? Yes. Unlike some other calcium channel blockers, diltiazem can **slow the heart rate and AV-node conduction**. ### 6. Can Diltiazem be used for angina? Yes. Diltiazem can be prescribed for **stable angina and vasospastic angina** to help reduce the frequency of chest pain. ### 7. Can Diltiazem be used for atrial fibrillation? Diltiazem may be used in selected patients with **atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter** to help control ventricular heart rate. ### 8. Is Diltiazem 60 mg taken once daily? Immediate-release 60 mg tablets are generally taken in **divided doses**, while extended-release products are formulated differently. Follow the specific prescription and product instructions. ### 9. Can I take Diltiazem with food? This depends on the formulation. Some products can be taken with or without food, while certain extended-release products have specific food instructions. ### 10. Can Diltiazem cause constipation? Yes. **Constipation** is a relatively common side effect of diltiazem. ### 11. Can Diltiazem cause dizziness? Yes. Dizziness can occur because diltiazem may lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. ### 12. Can Diltiazem be taken with Metoprolol? The combination can excessively slow the heart rate or impair cardiac conduction in some patients. It should only be used together under appropriate medical supervision. ### 13. Can Diltiazem be taken with Amlodipine? They may sometimes be prescribed together, but both lower blood pressure. Your healthcare professional should determine whether the combination and doses are appropriate. ### 14. Can Diltiazem be taken with Digoxin? Diltiazem can increase digoxin concentrations and affect heart-rate control. Medical monitoring may be necessary. ### 15. Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Diltiazem? Grapefruit may increase diltiazem exposure in some people. Ask your healthcare professional whether you should avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice. ### 16. Can Diltiazem be used during pregnancy? It should be used during pregnancy only when specifically recommended by a healthcare professional after considering potential benefits and risks. ### 17. Can Diltiazem be stopped suddenly? Do not stop prescribed diltiazem without medical advice, particularly when it is being used for angina or heart-rate control. ### 18. Does Diltiazem cause ankle swelling? Peripheral or ankle swelling can occur. Persistent or significant swelling should be discussed with your healthcare professional because it can also have other causes. ### 19. Is Diltiazem 60 mg the same as Diltiazem ER 60 mg? Not necessarily. **Immediate-release and extended-release formulations have different release characteristics and dosing schedules.** They should not be substituted without professional guidance. ### 20. Is Diltiazem 60 mg available without a prescription? Diltiazem is generally a **prescription medicine**, although regulatory requirements can vary between countries. --- ## Medical Disclaimer This information about **Diltiazem 60 mg** is provided for educational and general informational purposes only. It is **not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment**. Diltiazem can significantly affect **heart rate, cardiac conduction and blood pressure**. Particular caution is required in people with bradycardia, heart block, certain heart-rhythm disorders, low blood pressure or reduced heart function. Diltiazem has important interactions with medicines such as **beta-blockers, digoxin and certain statins and antiarrhythmics**. Always provide your healthcare professional with a complete list of medicines and supplements you use. Do not start, stop, crush, substitute or change the formulation or dose of diltiazem without professional medical guidance. Always follow the specific product label and your healthcare professional's instructions.