Adverse interactions between a drug and supplement are common. They indicate that one product affects the other’s performance or that they affect each other’s therapeutic properties. Calcium and the drug diltiazem interact adversely with each other. Do not supplement calcium without first checking with your doctor on its safety for your particular situation. (See References 1)
About Diltiazem
Diltiazem is a hypertension medication belonging to the class of calcium-channel blockers. It relaxes your veins, reducing the effort your heart makes to pump blood through them. The drug’s therapeutic effects also include more blood and oxygen reaching your heart.
Calcium-channel Blockers
Different types of high blood pressure drugs exist. Each has its distinct way of easing hypertension. Calcium-channel blockers such as diltiazem reduce blood pressure by blocking calcium from penetrating heart cells and the walls of your blood vessels. Without the mineral, the veins become looser and the space inside where blood flows gets wider.
Calcium and Diltiazem
Calcium supplementation may increase the amount of calcium in the bloodstream to a level that diltiazem is powerless against. As a result, the mineral is able to enter the heart cells and vessel walls, rendering the drug ineffective as a high blood pressure treatment. If your doctor determines that it is detrimental to your health to suspend calcium supplementation while you take diltiazem, she is also likely to check your blood pressure regularly to verify that the drug is still effective.
Interaction Prevention
Drugs.com indicates that in addition to calcium, diltiazem interacts with over 400 products. Calcium is affected by or affects more than 100 drugs. Safeguard your health by disclosing all supplements, over-the-counter and prescription drugs you take to all doctors you consult. They can look up known interactions for you and prevent harmful medical treatment outcomes.
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