Diltiazem-Ratiopharm: composition, indications, contraindications, side effects and interactions
Diltiazem-Ratiopharm (international name - Diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker of the benzodiazepine group, used in cardiology for the treatment and prevention of various cardiovascular diseases. The drug is manufactured by Ratiopharm GmbH, but is manufactured by Merkle GmbH in Germany.
Diltiazem-Ratiopharm is widely used for the treatment of angina pectoris, the prevention of coronary spasm during coronary angiography or coronary artery bypass surgery, arterial hypertension, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, as well as for the relief of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in combination with digoxin. Diltiazem-Ratiopharm can also be used to prevent graft failure after kidney transplantation and during immunosuppressive therapy.
Contraindications to the use of Diltiazem-Ratiopharm include hypersensitivity to the drug, cardiogenic shock, left ventricular systolic dysfunction (including acute myocardial infarction), sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial and AV block II-III degree, severe aortic stenosis, Wolff syndrome. Parkonson-White and Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome with paroxysms of atrial fibrillation or flutter, impaired liver and kidney function, childhood, pregnancy and lactation.
Side effects of Diltiazem-Ratiopharm may include transient hypotension, bradycardia, stage I conduction disturbance, decreased cardiac output, palpitations, fainting, eosinophilia, headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling of fatigue, peripheral edema, impaired potency, dyspeptic symptoms, mucosal hyperplasia gums, sweating, redness of the skin, allergic reactions (skin rash and itching), rarely - exudative erythema multiforme, increased activity of transaminases (ALT, AST), lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, hyperglycemia.
Interaction Diltiazem-Ratiopharm may increase plasma levels of carbamazepine, theophylline, cyclosporine A and digoxin, which requires caution when using them together. Diltiazem-Ratiopharm can also increase the concentration of digoxin in the blood plasma, therefore, when taking these drugs simultaneously, monitoring the level of digoxin in the blood is required. In addition, Diltiazem-Ratiopharm may enhance the effect of antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic drugs, as well as hypoglycemic agents, which also requires caution when using them together.
When prescribing Diltiazem-Ratiopharm, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations and not exceed the dosage specified in the instructions for use. Before starting treatment, you must consult with a qualified specialist.