Dilzem

Generic Name: Diltiazem hydrochloride
Product Name: Dilzem

Indication

• Mild to moderate essential hypertension.
• Chronic stable angina pectoris.

Action

• Diltiazem is a slow calcium channel blocker.
• It inhibits the influx of calcium ions during membrane depolarisation of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.
• Reduction in blood pressure is mediated by relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and resultant decrease in peripheral vascular resistance.

Dose advice

• Hypertension: Initial dose is 180-240 mg once daily. Maximum effect usually seen by 14 days of therapy. Dosage can be thus adjusted every 2 weeks. Maintenance dose is 240-360 mg/day.
• Angina: Initial dose is 180 mg daily and maximum is 360 mg daily. Dose should be titrated over 7-14 days.

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

• Oedema
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Asthenia
• First degree atrioventricular block
• Bradycardia
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Rash
• Dyspepsia

Uncommon side effects

• Cardiovascular – angina pectoris, arrhythmia, atrioventricular block, bundle branch block, congestive heart failure, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia.
• Nervous system – depression, somnolence, insomnia, tinnitus, tremor, nervousness, paraethesia, dream abnormalities, amnesia, hallucinations and gait abnormalities.
• Gastrointestinal – anorexia, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, vomiting, thirst, weight increase, mild elevations of liver function tests.
• Dermatological – petechiae, photosensitivity, pruritus, urticaria.
• Others – amblyopia, dyspnoea, epistaxis, hyperglycaemia, hyperuricaemia, impotence, eye irritation, nocturia, polyuria, creatine kinase increase.

For further information talk to your doctor.