Diltiazem | Health Notes at WWSM | Health Information at WWSM

Diltiazem

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Also indexed as: Adizem, Adizem-SR, Adizem-XL, Alti-Diltiazem, Angiozem, Angiozem CR, Angitil SR, Angitil XL, Apo-Diltiaz, Calazem, Calcicard CR, Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Dilcardia SR, Diltia XT, Dilzem, Dilzem SR, Dilzem XL, Gen-Diltiazem, Novo-Diltiazem, Nu-Diltiaz, Optil, Optil SR, Optil XL, Slozem, Tiazac, Tildiem, Tildiem, Tildiem LA, Tildiem Retard, Viazem XL, Zemtard, Zemtard

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina pectoris, heart arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body.	DHEA
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Diltiazem has been shown to raise blood levels of DHEA and DHEA-sulphate in insulin-resistant, obese men with high blood pressure.¹

Interactions with Herbs

Pleurisy root
As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.²

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Diltiazem may be taken with or without food.³ Sustained-release diltiazem products should be swallowed whole, without opening, crushing, or chewing.⁴

In a study of healthy volunteers, ingestion of grapefruit juice at the same time as diltiazem resulted in higher blood levels of the drug than when it was taken with water.⁵ Studies with certain other medications suggest that grapefruit juice may affect drug availability, even if it is consumed at a different time of the day. Therefore, individuals taking diltiazem should probably avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

References
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

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Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Interactions with Herbs

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds