Is diltiazem safe for long term use?
Long-term administration of diltiazem had no adverse effects on urinalysis; hematological values; metabolism of protein, lipids, and glucose; renal or hepatic function; or electrolytes. It is thus concluded that diltiazem hydrochloride can be safely given for long periods to patients with hypertension.
Do I have to take diltiazem forever?
You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
What are the worst side effects of diltiazem?
Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, flushing, constipation, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How long should you take diltiazem?
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.
Why is diltiazem bad for you?
If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks.
Will diltiazem side effects go away?
Some side effects of diltiazem may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Is diltiazem hard on the kidneys?
Diltiazem monotherapy was confirmed to be an effective antihypertensive agent. Although mean arterial pressure was reduced from 121 to 108 mm Hg, diltiazem had no overall effect on glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma blood flow, salt and water excretion, or body fluid composition.
Does diltiazem make you pee a lot?
Diltiazem did not cause tachycardia in either strain. Moreover, hypotensive doses of diltiazem acutely increased urinary excretion of sodium as well as urine volume in saline-loaded SHR and WKY.
Can you take vitamin D with diltiazem?
Avoid taking high doses of vitamin D with this heart medication. High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, which increases the risk of fatal heart problems with digoxin. Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others). Avoid taking high doses of vitamin D with this blood pressure drug.
What happens when you stop diltiazem?
Stopping diltiazem may cause your blood pressure to rise and this may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Can you drink coffee with diltiazem?
Avoid drinks, foods, or diet pills that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Taking a stimulant together with adenosine can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.
Does diltiazem cause stomach problems?
Diltiazem could cause the side effects listed by you, but not exactly as upper abdominal pain, bloating & or nausea but fatigue, vomiting, signs of low blood pressure, besides some other side effects.
Does diltiazem cause tiredness?
A: According to the manufacturer of diltiazem (Cardizem), the most common side effects reported are dizziness, headache, cough, feeling tired, slowing of the heart rate, and swelling of the legs (peripheral edema).
Does diltiazem affect BP?
Diltiazem can lower your blood pressure too much. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have signs of low blood pressure, including dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Diltiazem can increase liver enzymes (diagnosed using a blood test), which may be a sign of liver damage.
Can diltiazem be the cause of my cough?
Cough can occur as a side effect to the medication diltiazem, but cough with yellow sputum could indicate an infective pathology. You will need to consult your doctor who may need to do a sputum culture and sensitivity to determine what antibiotic the organism is susceptible to.