Search The Medical Knowledge Base

Drug Details

ZEMTARD XL

• Drug Class Description
  Calcium-channel blockers (class III calcium antagonists).
• Generic Name
  Diltiazem - hypertension
• Presentation
  Capsules, diltiazem hydrochloride 120mg , 180mg , 240mg , 300mg .
• Description
  Hard gelatin capsules containing prolonged release diltiazem beads.
• Indications
  

  Treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.

• Adult Dosage
  180 - 300mg once daily. Doses of up to 360mg/day may be of benefit in some patients.
• Child Dosage
  Not recommended.
• Elderly Dosage
  Starting dose of 120mg daily is recommended. Dose should not be increased if the heart rate falls below 50bpm.
• Contra Indications
  

  Marked bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, left ventricular failure with stasis or second or third degree AV block, except in the presence of a functioning pacemaker. Should not be given pacemaker. Should not be given with dantrolene infusion. Pregnancy and lactation.

• Special Precautions
  Reduced left ventricular function. Mild bradycardia, first degree AV block or prolonged PR interval.
• Interactions
  Carbamazepine, cyclosporin, theophylline, digoxin. H - antagonists. Other 2 antihypertensives or cardiac depressants, dantrolene infusion.
• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Lower limb oedema, headache, flushing, asthenia/fatigue, palpitations, malaise, minor gastrointestinal disturbances, and skin rash. Rarely, symptomatic bradycardia, sino- atrial block, AV block. Skin rash (usually localised). Isolated cases of moderate, transient elevation of liver transaminases at start of treatment, clinical hepatitis.