Reaction to diltiazem

Female, age 44, overweight, high bp, good cholesterol, asthma.  After wearing a 24 hr holter blood pressure monitor, my internist added diltiazem CD 120 mg q AM to my Diovan 160/HCTZ 12.5 mg q AM.  Appr. two hours after taking the diltiazem I felt flushed, felt like my heart was racing, lightheaded, etc.  Continued to take for two more days.  Third day developed chest pain and had trouble breathing.  Dr. sent to ER for testing.  ER docs determined pleuresy and sent home with naproxen.  Two days later symptoms were worse.  Went in to dr's office, BP 146/98; HR90 & regular.  Admitted to the hospital for tests - mildly elevated sed rate at 40, everything else normal.  Dr. isn't sure if it was a reaction to the diltiazem - never had a patient react this way to it before.

Have had intermittent (2-3 in two weeks) periods of mild chest pain on right side.

Insurance changed and internist no longer on plan.  New doc not concerned.  Any ideas?  Anybody else ever react this way?  Thank you!

[Cleveland Clinic]

abby,

I've never seen that particular reaction. If you look at any drug and side effects, the symptoms you have will generally be listed as potential side effects as they are somewhat nonspecific.

Perhaps trying another class of antihypertensive would be a good next step, then if needed another drug in that particular class(ie Ca blockers).

[Barbarella]

It could be a side effect to the diltiazem.  Did you read the paper the pharmacist gave you, or the insert about side effects they put in with the meds?  You can also find out about side effects if you type the name of the meds in the search box of Google or ask.com.  Good luck!

[Dr. Erik]

I have been taking Diltiazem for 2 1/2 years and haven't had any problem with it. It doesn't sound like a reaction to Diltiazem but everyone is different and different drugs can affect people in different ways.The only way to know for sure is to discontinue the drug and see if your symptoms disappear. If they do then it was probably the drug. Your doctor more than likely prescribed the Calcium Channel Blocker due to your asthma as you would be unlikely to tolerate a Beta Blocker. You could try an Ace Inhibitor in combination with your HCTZ.
Good Luck!!

Erik

[Clenn Camp]

Ask your Dr. about the possibility of problem(s) with your gall bladder.  It sometimes causes chest pain but of course I do not know if the medicine could have triggered you gall bladder to 'act up' or not. Just a thought......

Glenn

[Abbysmom]

Thanks for all the advice.  I have stopped taking the  diltiazem (only took it for three days).  I have been off for over a month.  Had another episode of chest pain last week which is still bothering me.  My internist thinks it may be costochondritis, but said if the pain wasn't gone by midweek, he is going to order a CT scan.

I had my gallbladder taken out a couple of years ago, so I don't think that is it.  My internist did talk to me about that though.  

Thanks again for the suggestions.  Anybody ever have costochondritis?  From what I understand, it isn't serious, more of a nuisance.  Doc recommended lots of rest and Naprosyn.  Not easy to do with a 17 month old baby!