Dilcontin Xl 90 Tab

DILCONTIN XL 90 TAB

Name:

• Brand Name: DILCONTIN XL 90 TAB
• Common Name: Diltiazem Hydrochloride (Diltiazem)

Composition: DILCONTIN XL 90 TAB contains 90 mg of Diltiazem as its active ingredient. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker.

Uses: DILCONTIN XL 90 TAB is prescribed for the following medical conditions:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It helps in managing mild to moderate high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
• Angina Pectoris: Used for the prophylaxis and treatment of chronic stable (classical) and vasospastic angina (chest pain due to reduced blood supply to the heart). It eases anginal pain by preventing narrowing and dilating coronary arteries.
• Arrhythmias: It is used to treat certain types of irregular heartbeats. This medicine is also effective in conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery spasm, and Raynaud's phenomenon.

Dosage and Administration:

• Take DILCONTIN XL 90 TAB as prescribed by your doctor, preferably at a fixed time each day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• The usual dosage for hypertension and angina often starts at 90 mg or 120 mg twice daily, with adjustments based on patient response, potentially up to 360 mg daily. For elderly patients or those with liver/renal impairment, a starting dose of 60 mg twice daily is often recommended with regular heart rate monitoring.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, indigestion, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances
• Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles (oedema)
• Fatigue, flushing, rash, palpitations

Serious side effects, though less common, can include severe allergic reactions, yellowing of skin or eyes, severe tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising, slow or irregular heartbeat (bradycardia), and hepatitis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects or overdose symptoms like fainting, difficulty breathing, or seizures.

Precautions:

• Contraindications: Do not take if you are allergic to diltiazem, have severe low blood pressure, heart failure, or certain heart conduction disorders (e.g., sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker).
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use with dantrolene or ivabradine. Use with caution with other blood pressure medications, certain antibiotics, and drugs affecting cardiac contractility or conduction.
• Alcohol and Grapefruit Juice: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it may worsen dizziness. Grapefruit juice is not recommended as it can increase drug levels.
• Driving: This medicine may cause dizziness or sleepiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if affected.
• Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can worsen your condition.
• Not recommended for children.

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, at room temperature (between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC). Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What is Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet used for?

Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet is primarily used to manage mild to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension), alleviate chronic stable angina (chest pain related to the heart), and regulate certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). For individuals with angina, it can help reduce the frequency of pain episodes and enhance exercise capacity.

How does Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet work?

This medicine contains Diltiazem (90 mg), which is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and thereby reducing blood pressure. Diltiazem also improves the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart by dilating coronary arteries and arterioles. Additionally, it affects the electrical impulses in the heart, helping to regulate heart rate and control certain arrhythmias.

What is the usual dosage for Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet?

The dosage of Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet can vary based on the individual patient's response and medical condition. For sustained-release formulations, a common starting dose for mild to moderate hypertension or angina is often 90 mg or 120 mg twice daily. Elderly patients or those with impaired liver or kidney function may start with 60 mg twice daily. It's crucial to take the medicine as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, and not to crush, chew, or break the tablet.

What are the possible side effects of Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet?

Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, flushing (sudden warmth or redness), edema (swelling, particularly in ankles or feet), fatigue, rash, constipation, indigestion, and palpitations. Most side effects are temporary and often resolve with continued use or by discontinuing the medicine. If you experience serious side effects or worsening symptoms, consult your doctor.

Is Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Caution is advised when taking Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet during pregnancy, and it should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. There is limited safety information available for pregnancy, and it is not recommended for pregnant women or women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception. Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet can pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should consult their doctor to understand potential risks and benefits, and an alternative feeding method for the infant might be considered if the medicine is necessary.

Can Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet be taken with other medications?

Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet can interact with other medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. Interactions can occur with other heart medications (like digoxin), certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), and muscle relaxants (like dantrolene). Additionally, consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can increase the level of diltiazem in your blood, potentially leading to increased side effects.

What precautions should be taken while using Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet?

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet as it may increase dizziness and lightheadedness. If you experience dizziness, avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Exercise caution if you have low blood pressure, severe liver or kidney disease, or certain pre-existing heart conditions. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this could worsen your condition.

What happens if a dose of Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet be stored?

Dilcontin XL 90 Tablet should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children. The recommended storage temperature is typically below 30°C (10ºC to 25ºC).