Diltiazem is a medication frequently prescribed for various heart conditions, including high blood pressure and angina. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. While effective, diltiazem can cause side effects, with constipation being commonly reported. This article explores why diltiazem can lead to constipation and offers practical approaches for managing this side effect.
How Diltiazem Affects Digestion
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into muscle cells. Calcium is necessary for muscles to contract, and this action helps relax blood vessels and reduce the heart’s workload.
The digestive tract contains smooth muscles that rely on calcium for their rhythmic contractions. These contractions, known as peristalsis, are responsible for moving food and waste through the intestines. By blocking calcium channels in these smooth muscle cells, diltiazem can reduce the contractility of the intestinal muscles.
This reduced muscle activity slows down the movement of stool through the digestive system. The transit time of waste lengthens, allowing more water to be absorbed from the stool. This leads to harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass, resulting in constipation. Approximately 7% to 10% of patients taking diltiazem may experience constipation.
Strategies for Managing Constipation
Lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help manage diltiazem-associated constipation. Increasing dietary fiber intake is a primary recommendation. Fiber adds bulk to stool, helping it retain water and making it softer and easier to pass. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Adequate fluid intake is equally important. Drinking plenty of water helps soften the stool, facilitating smoother bowel movements. Staying well-hydrated supports overall digestive function.
Regular physical activity promotes healthy bowel function. Exercise stimulates intestinal contractions, aiding waste movement. Even moderate activity, such as daily walking, improves digestive regularity.
If lifestyle modifications are not sufficient, over-the-counter options may offer relief. Bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners can be considered. Consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter medications to ensure they are appropriate and safe to use alongside diltiazem.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While constipation from diltiazem is common, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if constipation becomes severe or persistent, despite attempting lifestyle changes. New or worsening abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort should also prompt a medical consultation.
The presence of blood in the stool or black, tarry stools are serious signs that require prompt medical evaluation. If you experience significant, unexplained changes in bowel habits, seek professional advice. Never adjust your diltiazem dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your prescribing doctor. Your doctor can assess your condition, recommend specific treatments, or consider alternative medications if necessary.