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Medicine, Its Use And Remidies for Ailments - Adizem
Diltiazem hydrochloride (Dil-tye-az-em hi-droh-clor-ride) is a medicine which is used in angina and hypertension. Diltiazem hydrochloride works by relaxing blood vessels. This helps to maintain blood flow to the heart and reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks. Diltiazem hydrochloride also reduces blood pressure.
- your doctor may start you on a low dose of this medicine and then increase the dose depending on how you respond to treatment
When to take your medicine
Some medicines work best if they are taken at a specific time of day. Getting the most benefit from your medicine can also be affected by what you eat, when you eat and the times at which you take other medicines.
Specific information on when to take Diltiazem hydrochloride can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine or on the medicine label. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about when to take your medicine.
How to take your medicine
Some medicines have specific instructions about how to take them. This is because they work better when taken correctly. These instructions can include getting the right dose and special instructions for preparing the medicine.
Specific information on how to take Diltiazem hydrochloride can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine or on the medicine label. Alternatively, you can request information about how to take your medicine from your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are having problems taking this form of Diltiazem hydrochloride, you should talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. They may be able to give you advice on other ways to take your medicine or other preparations that are easier for you to take.
Taking too much of your medicine
Taking extra doses of some medicines can be harmful. In some cases even one extra dose can cause you problems. If you take extra doses of your medicine, you must get medical advice immediately. You may need a test to assess the effect of taking extra doses. This is because the effects of taking too much medicine are very complex and it is therefore essential that you seek medical advice.
Stopping your medicine
Suddenly stopping your medicine may cause your original condition to return. This is why you must speak to your prescriber if you are having any problems taking your medicine.
If you are not having any problems taking this medicine, do not stop taking it unless advised to do so by your prescriber.
Looking after your medicine
The instructions on how you should keep your medicine are on the pharmacy label. It is a good idea to keep your medicine in the original container. This will help to keep your medicine in the best condition and also allow you to check the instructions. Do not take the medicine if the packaging appears to have been tampered with or if the medicine shows any signs of damage. Make sure that the medicine is out of the sight and reach of children.
Specific information on how to look after Diltiazem hydrochloride can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with this medicine or on the medicine label. Alternatively, you can request information about how to look after your medicine from your doctor or pharmacist.
You must not take the medicine after the expiry date shown on the packaging. If you have any unused medicine, return it to your pharmacist who will dispose of it safely.
Is this medicine suitable for you?
Diltiazem hydrochloride is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.
Your prescriber may not prescribe this medicine if you:
- are a woman who could become pregnant
- are about to have a procedure under general or local anaesthesia
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine
- are elderly
- are suffering from shock
- have diabetes
- have kidney problems
- have liver problems
- have or have had certain heart problems
Furthermore, the prescriber may not prescribe this medicine for a child.
As part of the process of assessing suitability to take this medicine a prescriber may also arrange tests:
- to check that this medicine is not having any undesired effects
Over time it is possible that Diltiazem hydrochloride can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Diltiazem hydrochloride has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.
Side Effects
Some side-effects may be serious while others may only be a mild inconvenience. Very occasionally, certain side-effects can be beneficial.
Everyone's reaction to a medicine is different. It is difficult to predict which side-effects you will have from taking a particular medicine, or whether you will have any side-effects at all. The important thing is to tell your prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.
Between 1% and 10% of people who take Diltiazem hydrochloride
- dizziness
- flushing
- headaches
- nausea
- oedema
- other heart problems
- skin rash or rashes
- slower heart rate
- weakness
The frequency of these side-effects is unknown
- abnormal laboratory test results
- angina
- behavioural changes
- blood problems
- breathing difficulties
- constipation
- depression
- diarrhoea
- eye or eyesight problems
- fainting or brief loss of consciousness
- feeling nervous
- hallucinations
- increased blood sugar levels
- indigestion
- inflammation of the gums
- irritation of the eye
- liver problems
- loss of appetite
- lowered blood pressure
- memory problems
- muscle and joint pain
- nasal congestion
- nose bleed
- palpitations
- paraesthesiae
- problems with walking
- sexual dysfunction
- skin problems including allergic skin reactions - if you have a persistent skin problem you must tell your prescriber
- sleepiness
- sleeping problems
- tinnitus
- tremors
- urinating more or urinating more often at night
- vomiting
- weight gain
If you feel unwell or if you have concerns about a side-effect, you will need to seek advice.
Taking other medicines
If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.
The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.
Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.
The following medicines may interact with Diltiazem hydrochloride:
- carbamazepine
- ciclosporin
- dantrolene when injected into a vein
- digoxin
- lithium
- propranolol
- rifampicin
- theophylline
- warfarin
The following types of medicine may interact with Diltiazem hydrochloride:
- ACE inhibitors
- alpha-blockers
- anaesthetics
- antiarrhythmics
- beta-blockers
- cardiac glycosides
- diuretics
- H2 antagonists
- medicines that are metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system
- medicines that lower blood pressure
- medicines that may slow the heart rate
If you are taking Diltiazem hydrochloride and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.
Complementary preparations and vitamins
Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.
Make sure you tell your prescriber the names of all the complementary preparations and vitamins that you are taking or are planning to take.
Your prescriber can then advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins will have on your condition.
- there are no known interactions between Diltiazem hydrochloride and any complementary preparations or vitamins
If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.
Driving and operating machinery
When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Like all medicines Diltiazem hydrochloride can cause side effects. You should see how this medicine affects you and then judge if you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt, talk to your prescriber.
Diet
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.
- there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Diltiazem hydrochloride
Alcohol
Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.
- there are no known interactions between alcohol and Diltiazem hydrochloride
Family planning and pregnancy
Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.
- do not take this medicine during pregnancy
- if you become pregnant, or think you have become pregnant while taking Diltiazem hydrochloride, you must contact your prescriber
You should discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant. This is so that together you can make a decision about what treatment you may need during your pregnancy.
You should discuss whether there are any other medicines which you could take during pregnancy which would treat your condition.
Breast Feeding
Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.
- women who are taking Diltiazem hydrochloride should not breast-feed
Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. They will help you decide what is best for you and your baby based on the benefits and risks associated with this medicine. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could take which would also allow you to breast-feed. You should not stop this medicine without taking advice from your doctor.
Ingredients
Medicines contain active ingredients. They may also contain other, additional ingredients that help ensure the stability, safety and effectiveness of the medicine. They are also added to improve the medicine's taste and appearance and to make it easier to take. Some may be used to prolong the life of the medicine.
This medicine contains diltiazem hydrochloride.
We are unable to list all of the ingredients for your medicine here. For a full list, you should refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with this medicine. You should check that you are able to take the ingredients of your medicine, especially if you have any allergies. You should also check whether any of these ingredients are known to have side-effects.
If you are not able to take any of the ingredients in your medicine, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to see if they can suggest an alternative medicine. If you have reacted badly to Diltiazem hydrochloride before, do not take Diltiazem hydrochloride. Talk to your prescriber, pharmacist or nurse as soon as possible.
Disclaimer - eHealth Treats does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services. Consulting a Qualified Medical Practitioner is always recommended. eHealth Treats does not and should not be taken as a substitute for a Qualified Medical Practitioner.
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