What Can Be The Effects Of Missing Doses Of Diltiazem?

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015

Question: I am on vacation on an island in Belize and failed to pack my Diltiazem. Although I did bring my Valsartan.
I will be 3 days short on my supply of Diltiazem. Is that a big deal?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload your detailed medical history

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to health care magic

I had gone through your question I really appreciate your concern

To guide you better I would like to know for what reason you are on diltiazam which is used for chest pain high BP or rhythm problem

if you can provide me your detailed medical history i will be able to tell you exactly what to do?

Please make a visit to GP and get your BP recorded , update me about your BP in reply

waiting for your response

I hope you will find my response relevant and informative please feel free to write back to us for further clarification I will gladly answer you

wishing you good health
Regards
Dr BR Hudda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (6 hours later)

As I mentioned, I am not home so I can not help you with any detailed history at this time. I take Diltiazem and Valsartan for high BP. I have taken them form many years. I will of course resume taking both as soon as I am home but I just want to know if missing 3 days of Diltiazem is going to cause me much of a problem. I do have my Valsartan. I assume my BP will go up but for the short term is that a big concern? Are there any other consequences of missing 3 doses?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get your blood pressure recorded at frequent intervals

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir
Thank you so much for your reply

I would advise you to get your blood pressure recorded at frequent intervals because it may shoot up if you are not taking diltiazem,

To be on safe please make a visit to nearby GP for adjustment of valsartan doses which can make up the effect of diltiazem.

Missing doses of diltiazem for a single day is not much of the concern but for 3 days definitely it is going to affect your BP

I hope this addresses your query fully. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

I assume my BP will go up. I am sure it is better if it did not. But in a short term is this very dangerous? I would have to book a flight out to get any additional meds. I know it would be difficult to advise me to ignore this but if it was you, would you terminate your trip for a couple days of high BP or is there more risk to this than that? I am just trying to make an informed decision with regard to risk.
I already take the recommended highest dose of Valsartan. I may be able to take more diuretic? That may be available locally or from someone else.

If I can get my BP checked here, is there a number say >200 that should trigger me to be more aggressive?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If your BP goes up beyond 140/90 mm of Hg, you need to be very careful

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir
Thank you so much for keeping too much faith on us

If your blood pressure goes up by 140/90 than its a matter of concern otherwise you can continue with valsartan and diuretics, however be in touch with a GP

I would advise you here, not to worry much about this, record your blood pressure regularly and just relax, because excessive stress may increase your BP.
so remain cheerful and enjoy your vacations
complete abstinence of smoking and alcohol

I hope this addresses your query fully. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if needed
Regards

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T