Patient was educated on contraindications for using Diltiazem as follows:
- Avoid using Diltiazem along with any other medications that can cause slowdown of heart rate, such as, Beta-blockers. Using them together can result in extreme slowdown of heart rate and can present an emergency.
- Avoid or use extreme caution using Diltiazem along with any other medications that cause vasodilation, such as, Isosorbide and Hydralazine. Using them together can result in episodes of extremely low BP and can present an emergency.
- Avoid using Diltiazem with grapefruit juice, as some component in the grapefruit juice will inhibit the metabolism of Diltiazem. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects.
- Diltiazem is mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Diltiazem can suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects. So, Diltiazem should be used with caution in individuals with hepatic dysfunction.
- Diltiazem is mainly excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete Diltiazem normally. So, this medication can stay in circulation for longer time and can be toxic. So, Diltiazem should be used with caution in individuals with compromised renal function.
