Product Description

Diltiazem Tablets IP 30 mg are used to treat mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure). They are also prescribed for managing chronic stable angina and angina caused by coronary artery spasms.

Hypertension is a condition characterized by persistently elevated pressure in the arteries, which increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels and can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Angina, or chest pain, occurs due to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, often caused by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. This action relaxes and widens blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and decreasing the heart’s workload. Additionally, diltiazem dilates the coronary arteries, improving blood and oxygen supply to the heart, which helps relieve anginal chest pain. It also slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can be beneficial in certain heart rhythm disorders.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels is recommended during treatment. Diltiazem may cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically advised by your doctor. Diltiazem Tablets IP 30 mg are not recommended for children, as safety and efficacy have not been established. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and all medications you are taking to prevent potential drug interactions or side effects.

Uses

Diltiazem Tablets IP 30 mg are used to treat:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Chronic stable angina

• Angina caused by coronary artery spasms

How it works

Diltiazem blocks calcium channels in the heart and blood vessel muscles, preventing calcium ions from entering these cells. This causes relaxation and widening of blood vessels (vasodilation), which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart’s workload. By dilating the coronary arteries, diltiazem improves blood and oxygen flow to the heart, relieving angina. It also slows electrical conduction through the AV node, which helps control certain abnormal heart rhythms.

Benefits

• Effectively lowers mild to moderately high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

• Relieves anginal chest pain by improving coronary blood flow and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.

• Helps manage angina caused by coronary artery spasms.

• It can assist in controlling heart rate in some arrhythmias due to its effect on AV nodal conduction.

How to use

• Take the tablets whole with a glass of water.

• Do not chew, crush, or break extended-release tablets. (If you are prescribed immediate-release tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether they can be crushed or chewed.)

• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and timing.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles (peripheral oedema)

• Headache

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat)

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Fatigue or weakness

Less common but serious side effects include:

• Slow or irregular heartbeat (bradycardia or heart block)

• Severe allergic reactions or skin rash

• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine)

• Symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, swelling)

If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Safety Advice

• Avoid alcohol while taking diltiazem, as it can increase side effects like dizziness and low blood pressure.

• Use caution if you have heart conduction problems (e.g., sick sinus syndrome, AV block) or heart failure.

• Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease; dose adjustments may be necessary.

• Avoid grapefruit juice, as it can increase diltiazem levels and risk of side effects.

• Do not stop taking diltiazem without consulting your healthcare provider.

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature below 86°F (30 °C). Protect from light and moisture.

FAQs

What are Diltiazem 30 mg IP tablets used for?

They are used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure and manage chronic stable angina and angina caused by coronary artery spasms. The "IP" designation means the tablets meet Indian Pharmacopoeia standards.

How does diltiazem work?

Diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels by blocking calcium entry into muscle cells, lowering blood pressure, and improving blood flow to the heart. It also slows the heart rate by affecting electrical conduction.

How should Diltiazem 30 mg be taken?

Take the tablets whole with water, with or without food, as prescribed. Immediate-release tablets may sometimes be crushed or chewed if advised by your doctor, but extended-release tablets should never be broken or crushed.

How long does it take for diltiazem to work?

Diltiazem starts to work on the day it is taken, but it may take several weeks to achieve full blood pressure control and angina relief.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking diltiazem?

Alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited while taking diltiazem. Alcohol can increase the medication's blood pressure-lowering effect, which may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. 

What should be avoided while taking this medication?

• Grapefruit juice: Consumption of grapefruit juice is not recommended as it can increase the concentration of diltiazem in your blood and raise the risk of side effects.

• Driving or operating machinery: Because diltiazem can cause dizziness, driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided until the effects of the medication are known.

• Other medications: Discuss all medications, supplements, and herbal products with a doctor, as diltiazem can have significant drug interactions. 

What if a dose is missed?

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered. If your next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate.