Diltiazem Side Effects - Sore Throat, Red Face

[Puzzled8]

Only started on Diltiazem 2 days ago for tachycardia, after trying Bisoprolol without success. Diltiazem already appears to be helping with HR and breathlessness, but am getting side effects of sore throat and very red, slightly swollen face. I am hoping that these symptoms will ease over the next couple of weeks and wondered if anyone else has had experience this.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

The most common side effect from Diltazem is oedema. The seconds is headache, dizziness and occasionally nausea for the first week to ten days.

Looking at the PIL (patient information leaflet (attached)) your symptoms look worrying. I would suggest you ring 111 straight away. Don't be surprised if you have to go to A&E. Let us know how it goes.

[Puzzled8 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks for taking time to reply Michael. I have to admit I was a bit worried when I read the PIL, but it’s confusing. I think if the swelling was severe, I would definitely be calling 111. Been searching online and some sites list redness and sore throat as common, others as more serious (i.e. allergic reaction). Maybe I’m having a mild reaction but will call 111 at any sign of it worsening and will speak to GP first thing Tuesday.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Just another thought. Have you done a LFT for the plague?

[Puzzled8 in reply to MichaelJH]

Test negative but had Covid April 2020 and it’s long Covid that’s caused all my heart problems.

[Ninjanoo]

Hi Puzzled8

I had to come off diltiazem due to side effects. I came out in a horrendous rash which was more like scald patches. My skin was so itchy I just wanted to scratch it off! It started in my hands to start with, they started to swell up were red raw and the palms would itch like mad. GP took me off them after reporting symptoms and switched me to Verapamil but had to come off those too! The itching and red palms started then I was finding swallowing an issue.

Please don't put up with it and seek medical advice ASAP you obviously have a reaction to them.

Hope you find something more suitable soon.

[Puzzled8 in reply to Ninjanoo]

Thanks Ninjanoo. Think you had a worse experience than I’m having - no itching (yet!). The only reason I’m trying to persevere a wee bit longer is because my breathlessness is definitely improving and that makes a big difference to how much I can do. I’m drinking lots of cold water and using cold cloths on my face to help, but I will definitely seek immediate help if it gets any worse. Did you manage to find anything that worked for you ?

[Afibflipper]

My husband couldn’t take due to severe headaches, I’ve heard don’t quote me that it dilated the vessels and so could it be this causing the flushing or redness you suggest - withi this coupled with swelling we can’t see you - get checked out quickly to make sure it’s not allergy or something - hope this helps and you get sorted

[Puzzled8 in reply to Afibflipper]

Hi, thanks for your reply Afibflipper. Yes you’re right, it does dilate the blood vessels, which is why it’s helping with my breathlessness. I definitely wouldn’t say my swelling is severe but I’m aware this could change, and as I mentioned above, lots of cold drinks and cold cloths are helping a bit. I did read of potential side effects and was dreading getting the headaches, as I suffered with migraines for years. Thankfully haven’t experienced any yet and can appreciate why your husband had to stop the Diltiazem.

[Afibflipper in reply to Puzzled8]

Hope it settles soon - I have rosacea and like to have a fan on when it flares upTry ice pack wrapped in thin towel or kitchen roll may stop chapping as can happen with wetting and drying the skin constantly

[Puzzled8 in reply to Afibflipper]

Great tip, thank you 😊

[Ninjanoo]

I was filling up the bathroom sink with cold water and just letting my hands soak in it for a while to try and ease it as we were in the middle of a heat wave when it started so I didn't put two and two together immediately! It was only when my whole body started itching and the rash appeared a day or two later. But like you was finding the diltiazem was helping with the vasospasms at night at least.

Hope you can get it sorted soon.

[Sleesa]

Hi. I was on Diltiazem. The side effect I had was severe dizziness. So much so I felt I was on a boat on high seas.

I'd say it's best you contact 111. The side effects you are mentioning seem a little concerning. They'd be able to help you further. They may just decide to put you on another medication. They are certainly not common side effects.