Dilzem XL

What is it?

An antihypertensive/ antianginal preparation which is a Class 11 calcium antagonist, available as white capsules in three different strengths, containing 120mg, 180mg and 240mg of dilitiazem hydrochloride, respectively, marked with e and strength. Also, DILZSM SR, available as sustained-release, beige coloured capsules containing 60mg, 90mg or 120mg of dilitiazem hydrochloride, respectively, each marked with strength.

Medical Uses

Angina, mild to moderate hypertension.

Dosage

Angina and hypertension, adults, Dilzem XL, 180mg once each day at first increasing to 360mg daily, if required; elderly patients, 120mg each day at first. Can be gradually increased if required but only if heart beat rate does not exceed 50 beats per minute. Adults, Dilzem SR, 90mg twice each day at first, increasing to 180mg twice daily, if required. Elderly patients, 60mg twice each day at first; dosage can be gradually increased, if required, but only if heartbeat rate does not exceed 50 beats per minute.

Special Care

Diabetes, impaired left ventricular function, liver or kidney disorder. lst degree AV block, mild bradycardia or porolonged P-R interval, patients require monitoring.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy breastfeeding, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, failure of left ventricle, marked low blood pressure, severe bradycar dia, sick sinus syndrome (syndromes associated with dysfunction of the sinus (sinoatrial) node, the heart tissue that generates the cardiac electrical impulse).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Dantrolene, other cardiac depressants or hypertensives, anaesthetics, cyclosporin, digoxin, lithium, rifampicin, cimetidine, theophylline, carbamazepine, warfarin.