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Introduction About DILZEM INJECTION
DILZEM INJECTION contains Diltiazem which belongs to the group of medicines called Calcium Channel Blockers. It is used to manage certain forms of arrhythmia (such as atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)).
Arrhythmia can be defined as an irregular heartbeat caused due to abnormal electrical signals in the heart. Atrial fibrillation (or atrial flutter) is an irregular or fast heartbeat caused due to improper electrical signals from the upper chambers of the heart (atrium), while PSVT is a fast heartbeat caused due to improper electrical signals from the regions slightly above the ventricles. Symptoms of arrhythmia includes palpitations (racing heartbeat), weakness, fatigue, dizziness and chest pain.
During management with DILZEM INJECTION, your doctor will constantly monitor your heartbeat and blood pressure to avoid the risk of unwanted side effects.
Before receiving DILZEM INJECTION inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems apart from arrhythmia. You must also inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure or cardiogenic shock as a precaution.
DILZEM INJECTION is not suitable for use in pregnant women as it may cause serious harm to the growing baby. It is also not recommended for use in patients with heart failure, heart block, or certain other forms of arrhythmia (such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome) or if you are a breastfeeding woman.
The most common side effects of receiving DILZEM INJECTION are low blood pressure, injection site reaction (Ex. itching, burning sensation) and flushing. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.
Uses Of DILZEM INJECTION
- Manage arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation and PSVT)
How DILZEM INJECTION Works
DILZEM INJECTION is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes the blood vessels by blocking the entry of certain ions (calcium ions) within them that causes narrowing. This allows blood to flow more smoothly across the blood vessels supplying the heart. It also decreases oxygen demand in the heart, reduces the strain on the heart and decreases heart rate.
How to use DILZEM INJECTION
DILZEM INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the vein (intravenously).
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of DILZEM INJECTION
Common
- low blood pressure
- feeling dizzy while standing up or changing position due to low blood pressure
- injection site reaction (Ex. itching, burning sensation)
- flushing
- irregular heartbeat
Rare
- pruritus (itchy skin)
- sweating
- constipation, nausea, vomiting
- burning or prickling sensation in hands, legs, or feet
- reduced vision, weakness
- dry mouth, edema, headache
Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects after receiving DILZEM INJECTION:
- signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat which can lead to difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
- difficulty in breathing or worsening of asthma
- severe skin reactions (such as skin rash with itching and redness, blistering and peeling of skin, skin swelling and inflammation of mucous membrane, skin lesions with a pink/red ring and a pale center which may be itchy, scaly or filled with fluid)
- fast, slow or uneven heart rate
How To Manage Side Effects
Injection site reaction:
Apply cold packs on the site which may help reduce swelling, itching, and pain. Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.
Dizziness:
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
DILZEM INJECTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women and in women who think that they might be pregnant. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Breastfeeding
DILZEM INJECTION may pass through breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. However, consult your doctor for advice.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness or tiredness after receiving DILZEM INJECTION.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving DILZEM INJECTION as it may make you feel dizzier.
Kidney
DILZEM INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Liver
DILZEM INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Allergy
Talk to your doctor before receiving DILZEM INJECTION if you are allergic to Diltiazem.
Heart Disease
DILZEM INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with heart problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, heart block, or other forms of arrhythmias (such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, short PR syndrome or ventricular tachycardia)). It should be used caution in patients with congestive heart failure. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Others
DILZEM INJECTION is not recommended for use if you:
- have cardiogenic shock (where heart cannot pump sufficient blood around the body)
- have severe low blood pressure
Use in Pediatrics:
DILZEM INJECTION is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). However, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Use in Geriatrics:
DILZEM INJECTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Interactions
A. Drug-drug interactions:
Before receiving DILZEM INJECTION, inform your doctor, if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- other medicines used for heart problems (Ex. digitoxin, digoxin)
- beta-blockers (used to manage blood pressure) Ex. acebutolol, atenolol, metoprolol
- anaesthetics (medicines used to produce a local or general loss of sensation, including pain) Ex. morphine, meperidine, fentanyl
- cyclosporine (a medicine used to manage organ rejection in patients who had an organ transplant surgery)
- carbamazepine (a medicine used to manage and control seizures)
Overdosage:
DILZEM INJECTION will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms consult your doctor.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Diltiazem |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Calcium channel blocker |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Arrhythmia |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule, Injection, Topical gel |
More Information
- Keep [GBNKEYWORD] out of reach of children
- Store DILZEM INJECTION in refrigeration at 2-8°C
FAQs About DILZEM INJECTION
Can DILZEM INJECTION be used with hypertension medicines?
It’s advisable to inform your doctor about the usage of antihypertensive medications (especially beta-blockers such as atenolol and propranolol) before you receive DILZEM INJECTION, as concomitant use of DILZEM INJECTION with antihypertensives may further decrease your heart rate and blood pressure.
What DILZEM INJECTION is used for?
DILZEM INJECTION is used to manage certain forms of arrhythmia (such as atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)).
How DILZEM INJECTION works on my body?
DILZEM INJECTION is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes the blood vessels by blocking the entry of certain ions (calcium ions) within them that causes narrowing. This allows blood to flow more smoothly across the blood vessels supplying the heart. It also decreases oxygen demand in the heart, reduces the strain on the heart and decreases heart rate.
What are the side effects of DILZEM INJECTION?
The most common side effects of receiving DILZEM INJECTION are low blood pressure, injection site reaction (Ex. itching, burning sensation) and flushing. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.
Is DILZEM INJECTION safe to use in children?
DILZEM INJECTION is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years). However, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Can DILZEM INJECTION be taken by pregnant women?
DILZEM INJECTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women or in women who might be expecting to get pregnant as it may cause serious harm to the growing baby. However, consult your doctor for advice.
What happens when I stop taking therapy with DILZEM INJECTION?
Do not stop receiving DILZEM INJECTION without consulting your doctor as it may make your symptom reappear once again. Make sure to receive DILZEM INJECTION for the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor to achieve maximum results.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Cardiac glycosides and Drugs for Heart failure. Antihypertensive, Anti-arrhythmic, Antianginal. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 519, 536 and 548.
2. S C Montamat, D R Abernethy. Calcium antagonists in geriatric patients: diltiazem in elderly persons with hypertension. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine,National Institute of Health. June 1989. [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2731407/
3. Om Talreja; Manouchkathe Cassagnol. St. John's University. Diltiazem. NCBI; National Institute of Health; National Library of Medicine. August 2021 [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532937/
4. Diltiazem hydrochloride injection. DailyMed; National Library of Medicine; National Institute of Health. January 2022. [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=5e36488b-8f2d-4dc9-b803-af1829e6fdd0
5. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Diltiazem Hydrochloride Injection 5 mg/ml. [Revised in May 2014] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/155.pdf
6. Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc. Diltiazem Hydrochloride Injection. [Revised in February 2007] [Accessed on 21st April 2022] https://docs.boehringeringelheim.com/Prescribing%20Information/PIs/Ben%20Venue_Bedford%20Labs/55390-565-10%20DLT%2050MG/5539056510
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Kidney function test

