What is diltiazem cream used for?
What is it used for? Diltiazem hydrochloride 2% cream is used to promote the healing of the tear that has occurred in the skin of the anus (back passage) and reduce the symptoms of pain caused by the tear. The tear in the skin lining the anus is called an anal fissure.
Is diltiazem cream a prescription?
There no commercially manufactured formulation of topical 2% diltiazem has been approved yet by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of anal fissure, prescriptions for the medication need to be compounded with a prescription from a doctor.
How does diltiazem work for fissures?
Diltiazem ointment relaxes the sphincter muscle, which alleviates pain and allows stool to pass more easily. This medication also promotes blood flow, which allows the healing process to begin. The ointment reduces pressure within the anal canal pressure, which diminishes pain and spasm.
How long does diltiazem cream last?
Treatment generally continues for a maximum of eight weeks. Treatment may continue for longer than this if your condition is improving. Your doctor will prescribe two tubes of cream which should last about two months.
Does diltiazem heal fissure?
Conclusion: This study shows that topical 2% diltiazem is an effective and safe treatment for chronic anal fissure in patients who have failed topical 0.2% GTN. The need for sphincterotomy can be avoided in up to 70% of cases.
What are the side effects of diltiazem cream?
Side effects are not common. Dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, or swelling of the hands or feet may rarely occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify us promptly.
How long does it take diltiazem cream to work?
It is important to continue the treatment for the entire time period. It takes up to two years to regain the normal skin strength associated with a fissure. Most thrombosis will resolve within two weeks.
Can I use diltiazem cream long term?
Most studies looked at use for around 3 months or less. It is not known what possible harms or side effects the treatment may cause if it is used for longer than this. However, diltiazem cream or ointment is not usually used for long periods.
How long does diltiazem take to heal fissure?
It takes up to two years to regain the normal skin strength associated with a fissure. Most thrombosis will resolve within two weeks.
How long does diltiazem take to work for fissures?
In keeping with earlier reports[11-13], topical 2% diltiazem gel in this study provided earlier pain relief, with a significant reduction in pain after 1 wk and preceded the significant healing rate of chronic anal fissure observed at 6 wk of treatment.
What is diltiazem used for?
As a result, diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Is topical diltiazem ointment an alternative for chemical sphincterotomy?
Initial enthusiasm for chemical sphincterotomy has waned because of poor outcomes with glyceryl trinitrate ointment. In this study the use of topical 2 per cent diltiazem ointment has been investigated as an alternative method of chemical sphincterotomy.
What are the long term effects of taking diltiazem?
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker.
Can diltiazem ointment be used for anal fissure?
Topical diltiazem ointment in the treatment of chronic anal fissure Topical 2 per cent diltiazem ointment used as an agent for chemical sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure offers significant healing rates but does not have a significant side-effect profile, which may aid compliance to treatment.