Diltiazem slow release 3 times a day?

[pip500]

I was taking diltiazem 180mg twice a day but the effects of the drug seemed to be wearing off after about 8 hours so Iasked if it was possible to take 120mg 3 times a day. The EPs team agreed but the prescription is for the slow release capsule. I expected it to be the immediate release. Does anyone else take slow release diltiazem 3 times a day.

I can’t find any evidence you can take 120mg slow release capsules. I phone the pharmacist but they told me to speak to the EP.

[Singwell]

What's the Diltiazem targeting in your case? BP control or arrythmia? I'm on Tildiem, branded name for same drug. It's a calcium channel blocker which I take in tandem with Flecainide so it helps keep my BP low while at the same time complementing the Flecainide (which can cause the heart to race). I'm on slow release capsules of 200mg and take it once a day. Not sure if that helps...

[pip500 in reply to Singwell]

I am taking with fleicanide for persitent AF. my heart rate is not well controlled and the fleicanide is not stopping the AF now. They want to put me on digoxin but I am worried about the toxicity and mortality in patients with AF. So as a lat resort they agreed to diltiazem 3 times a day but I am worried they should have prescribed immediate release not slow release. All info I see says 12 hours between doses of slow release and I would need to take every 8 hours one hour before food or 2 hours after. I can’t find suitable times to take it to do that. I understand immediate release can be taken with food - yes?

[Hidden in reply to pip500]

I just take magnesium its like a natural calcium channel blocker and I have to take it three times a day or else by the night time I can feel it has left my system and isn't working any more. I was taking two or three at night but throughout the day seems better and more consistant...same with anything I think a constancy is usually more helpful than a blast if that makes sense. Maybe just one dose of slow release would have the same effect as spreading the dose out though? Might be easier for meals though. A lot of things are crazy when you have to take them half an hour before food and you only remember after taking youth first bite. I'd get them to give you something that's the most manageable for your lifestyle cos having to calculate hours and meals just sounds highly stressful to me.

[Nannie-C]

I’m on tildiem 200 mgs slow release daily. Controls my bp and keeps my pulse slower.

[Paulbounce]

Hello Pip.

This is soley my opinion - I am not a doctor.

"Diltiazem, sold under the brand name Cardizem among others, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat -------- and certain heart arrhythmias"

For me personally the instant release (quick hit) are better for heart arrhythmias - certainly when used as a PIP.

However your EP is better to give advice than I. For me though the instant release wins everytime. That's just my take - maybe the extra dose needs to be slow release. It will of course build up in your body and give a you a constant 'flow'.

I'm sure the EP's team know what's best for you and your personal circumstances.

Paul

[Bertiedette]

Hello Pip I take Diltiazem slow release 300 mgs once a day.It’s to lower my heart rate and keep the BP down.It seems to be doing its job as heart rate in the 80s now.I am in permanent AF.