Drug Interactions between Diltiazem Hydrochloride CD and hydrochlorothiazide

Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and add to the effects of dilTIAZem. You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat if you drink alcohol with dilTIAZem, especially when you first start taking the medication or just after a dose increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase the effects of dilTIAZem in some people by increasing its levels in the blood. You may want to limit alcohol intake and avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with dilTIAZem. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with dilTIAZem, do not alter the amounts of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor or other healthcare professional. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects of dilTIAZem such as headache, irregular heartbeat, swelling, unexplained weight gain, or chest pain. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

HydroCHLOROthiazide and ethanol (alcohol) may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Using dilTIAZem together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of dilTIAZem. Talk with your doctor before using dilTIAZem and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.