Diltiazem: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It is a prescription medicine used for angina, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and anal fissures. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and capsules, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Diltiazem works
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It reduces the flow of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, which relaxes and widens the arteries and slows the heart rate. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart's need for oxygen.
What is Diltiazem used for?
- Angina
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anal fissures
Diltiazem is used to prevent angina attacks and to treat high blood pressure, usually as a long-term daily treatment. It can also slow a fast heart rate in some rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation. A specially prepared cream or ointment is used separately to help heal anal fissures, painful tears in the lining of the back passage, by relaxing the muscle around it.
Side effects of Diltiazem
Most people take Diltiazem without serious problems. Side effects that may occur include:
- Swollen ankles
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Slow heartbeat
- Constipation or nausea
Get medical help straight away if you faint, have a very slow or irregular heartbeat, or develop new breathlessness or swelling of the legs. Seek urgent help for a severe rash or blistering of the skin.
Precautions and warnings
- Keep taking it regularly, even when you feel well, and do not stop suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Long-acting brands release the medicine differently, so stick to the same brand unless your doctor or pharmacist advises a change.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, a slow heart rate, heart block, or liver or kidney problems.
- It interacts with several medicines, including beta-blockers, simvastatin, ciclosporin, some epilepsy medicines and certain antibiotics and antifungals.
- It is generally avoided in pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Diltiazem
What is the price of Diltiazem in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Diltiazem products currently in stock range from Rs 100 to Rs 910 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Dilzem 30mg Tablet at Rs 100. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Diltiazem are available in Pakistan?
Diltiazem is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Herbesser (Highnoon Laboratories Ltd), Calzem (Maple Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd), Dilzem (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd), Diltiazaf (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd) and Diltiazen.Do I need a prescription for Diltiazem?
Yes. Diltiazem is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Diltiazem be used during pregnancy?
It is generally avoided in pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Are all Diltiazem brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Diltiazem in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Diltiazem brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 10 products containing Diltiazem from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
