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How does it work?

Diltiazem hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers, which act on the heart and blood vessels. Diltiazem slows the movement of calcium through cells, which has two results. Firstly, it decreases the rate at which the heart beats. As a result, the heart uses less energy and the pain of angina is prevented or relieved. Secondly, it has a mild widening effect on blood vessels and therefore reduces blood pressure. Diltiazem is mainly used in the treatment and prevention of attacks of angina.

What is it used for?

- Angina pectoris
- High blood pressure

Use with caution in

- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

Not to be used in

- A problem common in the elderly, related to poor control of the working of the heart (sick sinus syndrome)
- Defect of the heart's electrical message pathways resulting in decreased function of the heart (heart block)
- Very slow heart rate (severe bradycardia)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine may inhibit labour. However, the risk to the foetus should be balanced against the risk of the mother's uncontrolled high blood pressure. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

- This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine.

Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Slower than normal heart beat (bradycardia)
- Increased blood flow to the skin on the face (facial flushing)
- Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)
- Blockade of the electrical pathways which control the pumping action of the heart (heart block)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Ankle swelling
- Dizziness or loss of balance

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. . For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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