Medicine Name:
Diltiazem Tablet 60 mg
Description / Prescription:
Diltiazem is a prescription-only medication from the calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine) class. It is commonly used for:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Chronic stable angina (chest pain)
- Atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation/flutter with rapid ventricular response
Nature / Mechanism of Action:
- Blocks L-type calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels
- Leads to vasodilation, slowed heart rate, and reduced myocardial contractility
- Results in lower blood pressure, improved blood flow, and decreased cardiac workload
Advantages / Therapeutic Benefits:
✅ Controls high blood pressure, reducing risk of stroke and heart attack
✅ Relieves angina symptoms by improving coronary blood flow
✅ Helps control heart rate in certain arrhythmias
✅ Can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives
✅ Immediate-release 60 mg tablets allow for precise dose titration
Packaging:
- Each tablet contains 60 mg of Diltiazem hydrochloride
- Typically available in blister strips or bottles
- Common pack sizes: 10, 14, 30, or 100 tablets
Storage:
📦 Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
🛡️ Protect from light, moisture, and heat
🚫 Keep away from children and pets
Precautions:
⚠️ Use cautiously in patients with:
- Sick sinus syndrome, 2nd/3rd degree AV block (without pacemaker)
- Severe hypotension or cardiac failure
- Liver or renal impairment
- Elderly patients—increased risk of bradycardia or hypotension
⚠️ Drug Interactions:
- May interact with beta-blockers, digoxin, statins, CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers
🚫 Avoid abrupt discontinuation
🩺 Monitor blood pressure, ECG, and liver/kidney function
Patient Advice / Counseling Points:
💊 Take exactly as prescribed, usually 2–4 times daily depending on the formulation
🍽️ Take with food to reduce stomach upset
🚫 Do not crush or chew unless specified as immediate-release
🚗 May cause drowsiness or dizziness—be cautious with driving or operating machinery
🍊 Avoid grapefruit—can raise drug levels dangerously
📞 Contact healthcare provider if experiencing:
- Bradycardia (slow pulse)
- Swelling, shortness of breath, or fatigue
- Fainting, light-headedness, or skin rash