Diltiazem HCl Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (dill-TIE-uh-zem)
Diltiazem HCl Oral Uses
Diltiazem is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. When used regularly, diltiazem can decrease the number and severity of episodes of chest pain from angina. Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works to control blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, helping the heart work less hard to pump blood through your body. This effect on the heart, along with the relaxation of its blood vessels, may also relieve the symptoms of angina. Diltiazem may also decrease heart rate.
How To Use Diltiazem HCl Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily either in the morning or at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, body size and response to therapy. If you are older or have severe liver problems, your dosage may need to be adjusted.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take up to two weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. When used for angina, this medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (e.g., sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).
