DILZEM SR 90MG

# DILTIAZEM 90 MG ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Diltiazem 90 mg** is a prescription medicine belonging to the **calcium channel blocker (CCB)** class. It is primarily used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)** and certain heart conditions, including **angina (chest pain)** and some abnormal heart rhythms. Diltiazem works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate and electrical conduction through the heart. The exact dosing and frequency depend on the formulation, as immediate-release and extended-release diltiazem products are **not interchangeable on a milligram-for-milligram basis**. --- ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps lower **high blood pressure**. * Helps prevent and manage certain types of **angina (heart-related chest pain)**. * Can help control an excessively rapid heart rate in certain **supraventricular arrhythmias**. * Slows electrical conduction through the AV node of the heart. * Helps relax and widen blood vessels. * Reduces the workload and oxygen demand of the heart. * May be used alone or with other cardiovascular medicines when prescribed. --- ## USES / INDICATIONS Diltiazem 90 mg may be prescribed for: ### 1. Hypertension Diltiazem relaxes blood vessels, helping reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular workload. ### 2. Angina It may be used to prevent episodes of **stable angina** by improving coronary blood flow and reducing the heart's oxygen demand. ### 3. Certain Abnormal Heart Rhythms Diltiazem can be used under medical supervision to help control heart rate in conditions such as: * Atrial fibrillation * Atrial flutter * Certain supraventricular tachycardias ### Important Diltiazem is **not generally used to provide immediate relief of an acute angina attack**. A short-acting nitrate such as prescribed nitroglycerin may be used for acute episodes when appropriate. --- ## HOW IT WORKS Diltiazem is a **calcium channel blocker**. It reduces the movement of calcium into cardiac and vascular smooth-muscle cells. This produces several effects: * **Relaxes blood vessels**, lowering peripheral resistance and blood pressure. * **Slows heart rate**. * Slows electrical conduction through the **atrioventricular (AV) node**. * Reduces the force of cardiac contraction to some extent. * Decreases the heart's oxygen demand. * Can improve blood flow through coronary arteries. These combined actions make diltiazem useful for both blood-pressure control and selected heart conditions. --- ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * Take Diltiazem 90 mg **exactly as prescribed by your doctor**. * The correct dosing schedule depends heavily on the formulation. * Immediate-release tablets may require **multiple doses per day**, while extended-release formulations are generally taken less frequently. * Take the medicine at approximately the same time each day. * It can generally be taken with or without food, but follow the instructions for your specific product consistently. * Swallow extended-release tablets/capsules whole unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically permit another method. * Do not crush or chew modified-release formulations. ### If You Miss a Dose Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. ### Important **Diltiazem 90 mg immediate-release and extended-release products should not be substituted without medical advice.** Their release characteristics and dosing schedules can differ significantly. --- ## SIDE EFFECTS Common side effects may include: * Headache * Dizziness * Tiredness or weakness * Flushing * Nausea * Constipation * Low blood pressure * Slow heart rate * Ankle or leg swelling ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you experience: * Fainting * Very slow or irregular heartbeat * Severe dizziness * Difficulty breathing * Significant swelling * Chest pain that is new, severe, or worsening * Signs of a serious allergic reaction * Yellowing of the skin or eyes or other symptoms suggesting liver problems --- ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Low Heart Rate or Heart Block Diltiazem can slow the heart rate and electrical conduction. It may not be appropriate for some people with: * Significant bradycardia * Certain heart conduction disorders * Certain types of heart block * Sick sinus syndrome without an appropriate pacemaker ### Heart Failure Diltiazem can reduce the force of heart contraction and may require caution in certain patients with **heart failure or reduced cardiac function**. ### Low Blood Pressure Diltiazem may lower blood pressure excessively, especially when combined with other blood-pressure medicines. ### Liver Disease Diltiazem is extensively metabolized by the liver. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. ### Kidney Disease Your doctor may consider kidney function when determining the appropriate treatment and monitoring requirements. ### Older Adults Older adults may be more sensitive to blood-pressure-lowering and heart-rate-lowering effects. ### Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before using diltiazem. --- ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Diltiazem can interact with numerous medicines because it affects both cardiac function and the metabolism of certain drugs. Important examples include: * **Beta-blockers** such as metoprolol or propranolol: May excessively slow heart rate or AV conduction. * **Digoxin:** Diltiazem can increase digoxin concentrations and may increase the risk of toxicity. * **Ivabradine:** Concurrent use can increase the risk of excessive heart-rate reduction. * **Statins**, particularly simvastatin: Diltiazem can increase concentrations of certain statins, potentially increasing the risk of muscle-related adverse effects. * **CYP3A4-metabolized medicines:** Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase concentrations of various medicines. * **Certain antiarrhythmics:** Combined effects on heart rate and conduction may require monitoring. * **Grapefruit/grapefruit juice:** May increase diltiazem exposure in some individuals. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about **all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements** you use. --- ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store at **room temperature** according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep away from excessive heat and moisture. * Protect from direct sunlight. * Keep the medicine in its original packaging. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach of children and pets. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets if the packaging is damaged or the medicine appears abnormal. --- ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine.** Diltiazem 90 mg should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and, where appropriate, heart rate and cardiac rhythm may be required. --- ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE When purchasing Diltiazem 90 mg: * Purchase from a **licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine retailer**. * Check the manufacturer's name and product information. * Verify the **batch/lot number and expiry date**. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Confirm whether the product is **immediate-release or modified/extended-release**. * Avoid products with damaged, altered, or suspicious packaging. * Follow the manufacturer's storage requirements. * If you suspect the product is counterfeit, consult a pharmacist or relevant medicines regulatory authority before use. --- # FAQ SECTION ### 1. What is Diltiazem 90 mg used for? Diltiazem 90 mg may be used to treat **high blood pressure, prevent angina, and control certain abnormal heart rhythms**, depending on the specific formulation and doctor's prescription. ### 2. Is Diltiazem a blood-pressure medicine? Yes. Diltiazem is a **calcium channel blocker** that can lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. ### 3. Does Diltiazem slow the heart rate? Yes. Diltiazem can slow the heart rate and reduce electrical conduction through the AV node. This is one reason it can be used for certain rapid heart rhythms. ### 4. Can Diltiazem be used for angina? Yes. Diltiazem can help **prevent angina episodes** by relaxing coronary arteries and reducing the heart's oxygen demand. ### 5. Is Diltiazem used to treat an acute chest-pain attack? Diltiazem is generally used for **prevention and long-term control**, not immediate relief of an acute angina attack. Follow your doctor's emergency instructions for sudden chest pain. ### 6. Can Diltiazem 90 mg be taken once daily? It depends on the formulation. Some diltiazem 90 mg products are immediate-release and may require multiple daily doses, while modified-release products have different dosing schedules. Follow your prescription and product label. ### 7. Can I crush Diltiazem 90 mg tablets? Do not crush or chew **extended-release or modified-release** diltiazem products unless the manufacturer specifically states that it is safe. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure about your formulation. ### 8. Can Diltiazem cause low blood pressure? Yes. Diltiazem can lower blood pressure and may occasionally cause **dizziness, weakness, or fainting**, particularly when treatment begins or when combined with other blood-pressure medicines. ### 9. Can Diltiazem cause a slow heartbeat? Yes. Because diltiazem slows AV-node conduction and heart rate, **bradycardia** can occur in some patients. ### 10. Can Diltiazem be taken with beta-blockers? Sometimes, but the combination requires medical supervision because both medicines can slow the heart rate and electrical conduction. Excessive slowing can occur in susceptible patients. ### 11. Can Diltiazem be taken with Digoxin? Diltiazem can increase digoxin concentrations. If the medicines are prescribed together, your healthcare professional may monitor heart rate and, when appropriate, digoxin levels. ### 12. Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Diltiazem? Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase diltiazem exposure in some people. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should avoid grapefruit products. ### 13. Can Diltiazem cause ankle swelling? Yes. **Peripheral edema**, including ankle or leg swelling, can occur with diltiazem. Inform your healthcare professional if swelling is significant or persistent. ### 14. Can I stop Diltiazem suddenly? Do not stop diltiazem without medical advice. Abrupt discontinuation may allow blood pressure or angina symptoms to return and can be particularly problematic in patients taking it for heart disease. ### 15. What should I do if I miss a Diltiazem dose? Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose. ### 16. Can Diltiazem be taken during pregnancy? Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Your healthcare professional will determine whether diltiazem is appropriate based on your individual circumstances. ### 17. How long does Diltiazem take to work? Diltiazem begins affecting blood vessels and heart activity after administration, but the time required for optimal blood-pressure or heart-rate control depends on the formulation and individual response. ### 18. What should I do if I experience severe dizziness while taking Diltiazem? Sit or lie down safely and contact your healthcare professional if dizziness is severe or persistent. **Fainting, severe weakness, very slow heartbeat, or chest pain requires prompt medical evaluation.** --- ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for **educational and informational purposes only** and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Diltiazem 90 mg is a prescription medicine and should be used only under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional. Diltiazem has important effects on **heart rate, cardiac conduction, and blood pressure**, and interactions with other cardiovascular medicines can be clinically significant. The exact dosing depends on the formulation, and immediate-release and extended-release products should not be substituted without professional advice. **Do not start, stop, or change the dose without consulting your doctor.** Seek urgent medical attention for severe chest pain, fainting, severe difficulty breathing, or symptoms of a very slow or abnormal heartbeat. Always read the manufacturer's package insert and follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.