Diltiazem
Also sold as: Cardizem, Herbesser
Usual adult dose
Angina: standard tablets 60 mg three times a day. Long-acting forms: 90 to 180 mg twice a day or 180 to 360 mg once a day, depending on the product and as set by your doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- swollen ankles
- headache
- dizziness
- flushing
- constipation
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- very slow heartbeat
- fainting
- worsening heart failure
- severe skin rash
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Very slow heartbeat or heart block
- Heart failure with weak heart muscle
- Low blood pressure
- Taking a beta blocker (only if your doctor says so)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Simvastatin
Diltiazem raises simvastatin levels and the risk of muscle damage; keep simvastatin at 10 mg or less.
Moderate5 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Atenolol
Together they can slow the heart too much and lower blood pressure.
- Bisoprolol
Together they can slow the heart too much and lower blood pressure.
- Digoxin
Diltiazem raises digoxin levels and slows the heart further.
- Metoprolol
Together they can slow the heart too much and lower blood pressure.
- Timolol
Together they can slow the heart and lower blood pressure.