Zemtard XL

What is it?

An antianginal, antihypertensive preparation which is a class 11 calcium antagonist available as sustained-release capsules containing dilitiazem. Orange/red, contain 120mg; blue, contain 240mg and white/blue, contain 300mg.

Medical Uses

Angina, high blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults, 120 to 300mg once each day to start with, increasing to a maximum daily dose of 480mg for angina and 360mg for high blood pressure, both once each day. Elderly, start with 120mg once each day and increase carefully as necessary according to response.

Special Care

1st degree AV heart block, slow heartbeat, reduced function of left ventricle of heart, diabetes, impaired liver or kidneys.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, failure of left ventricle, sick sinus syndrome, severe slow heartbeat, 2nd or 3rd degree AV heart block.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

β-blockers, Hz blockers, carbamazepine, dantrolene infusion, cyclosporin, other antihypertensives, digoxin, theophylline, lithium.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, fluid retention in legs, low blood pressure, flushing, fatigue, overgrowth of gum tissues, nausea, changes in liver function tests, slow heartbeat, headache, 1st degree AV heart block skin effects.