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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Accidental Swallowing Of Double Dose Of Diltiazem Causing Rapid Heart Rate. What Should Be Done?

Hello. I wanted to know if I accidentally overdosed. I m here instead of calling Poison Control because I don t want to wake anyone and I m fairly certain I m okay, but better safe than sorry. I m not sure if this is the right place to ask so I apologize if it s not. I take Diltiazem ER 120mg twice daily, twelve hours apart exactly. I took my dose at the usual hour but I m pretty sure I absent-mindedly swallowed two. This was nearly 3 hours ago. I just realized this when I noticed my heart rate was quite a bit lower than usual. Please respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
Tue, 7 Aug 2012
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and thanks for your query
Diltiazem is used to treat rapid heart rate conditions like Atrial fibrillation or PSVT. It act by lowering the heart rate. As you have taken double dose accidentally, it is possible as also you have noticed the slow heart rate. This can be a emergency if your heart rate falls less than 50 in day time and less than 40 in night while sleeping. You may need temporary Pacemaker depending on the condition and heart rate.
Now do not take your second dose of Diltizem and it is better to get admitted in hospital for observation and keep a check on heart rate. If you feel dizziness, sweating or any other abnormal symptoms than immediately rush to ER.
Best Wishes
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General & Family Physician,  Dr. Bimal Desai's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for query,
Taking calcium channel blocker 2 at a time may lower your blood pressure .
Usually it causes a slow heart rate (bradycardia).
Don't do anything.
Take enough water.
The medicine will be excreted from urine.
If you feel giddiness just measure your blood pressure.
A pinch full of salt will make you normal.
Thanks.


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Accidental Swallowing Of Double Dose Of Diltiazem Causing Rapid Heart Rate. What Should Be Done?

Hello and thanks for your query Diltiazem is used to treat rapid heart rate conditions like Atrial fibrillation or PSVT. It act by lowering the heart rate. As you have taken double dose accidentally, it is possible as also you have noticed the slow heart rate. This can be a emergency if your heart rate falls less than 50 in day time and less than 40 in night while sleeping. You may need temporary Pacemaker depending on the condition and heart rate. Now do not take your second dose of Diltizem and it is better to get admitted in hospital for observation and keep a check on heart rate. If you feel dizziness, sweating or any other abnormal symptoms than immediately rush to ER. Best Wishes