How to reduce diltiazem side effects?
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Try to take diltiazem at a time when you can sit down (or lie down) when the symptoms are at their worst. If you’re still having problems after a week, speak to your doctor, as they may need to change you to a different type of medicine. However, it’s best to not drink alcohol for a few days after starting diltiazem or if your doctor increases your dose. Wait until you know how the medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of diltiazem, which can make you feel dizzy or light-headed.If diltiazem makes you feel dizzy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or operate tools or machinery until you feel OK. Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
What happens when you stop taking diltiazem?
What will happen if I stop taking it? Stopping diltiazem may cause your blood pressure to rise and this may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you stop using the cream before a fissure has fully healed, it may tear again. Generally, most side effects caused by diltiazem are mild and go away within a few hours or days. In rare cases, side effects may last longer. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or bother you. They can review your symptoms and discuss the best way to treat them.Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.Diltiazem controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of diltiazem. Continue to take diltiazem even if you feel well. Do not stop taking diltiazem without talking to your doctor.Discontinue Diltiazem infusion when patient converts to sinus rhythm OR if patient has adverse effects from Diltiazem (e. AV block, bradycardia, hypotension, decreased cardiac output).
What is the major adverse effect of diltiazem?
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. Cardizem, Tiazac, and Cartia XT are a few common brand names. Common diltiazem side effects include headaches, dizziness, and swelling. Constipation, a slow heart rate, and low blood pressure are also possible. Possible side effects of calcium channel blockers are: Constipation. Dizziness. Fast heartbeat you can feel.Which calcium channel blocker is safest? Most people do not have problems taking their calcium channel blockers, but these drugs can have side effects. Benzothiazepines (diltiazem) and phenylalkylamines (verapamil) generally have fewer side effects.
Why do doctors prescribe diltiazem?
Diltiazem is used alone or together with other medicines to treat angina (severe chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. How long to take it for. If you’re taking diltiazem for high blood pressure or angina, you’ll usually take it long term, even for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking diltiazem. Stopping may cause your blood pressure to rise and this may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Is diltiazem safe for long-term use?
How long to take it for. If you’re taking diltiazem for high blood pressure or angina, you’ll usually take it long term, even for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking diltiazem. Stopping may cause your blood pressure to rise and this may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, it’s best to not drink alcohol for a few days after starting diltiazem or if your doctor increases your dose. Wait until you know how the medicine affects you. Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of diltiazem, which can make you feel dizzy or light-headed.If diltiazem makes you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel better.You may want to limit alcohol intake and avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with dilTIAZem.