Litizem

Adults:

Film-coated tablets: The usual dose of diltiazem hydrochloride film-coated tablets is 60 mg three times daily. However, response varies and dosage requirements can differ significantly between individual patients. If necessary, the total daily dose, given in divided doses, may be increased to 180 to 300 mg per day. Treatment may be started at 30 mg four times daily, increasing at intervals of 1 to 2 days until the best response is achieved. Higher doses of up to 480 mg per day have been used with benefit in some patients, especially in unstable angina. Elderly patients and patients with impaired liver or kidney function: The recommended starting dose is 60 mg twice daily. Heart rate should be measured regularly, and the dose should not be increased if the heart rate falls below 50 beats per minute. Sustained-release formulation: For mild to moderate hypertension, the initial dose is 90 mg or 120 mg twice daily (once daily in the elderly); up to 360 mg daily may be required (up to 240 mg daily in the elderly). For angina, the initial dose is 90 mg or 120 mg twice daily in divided doses, as may be required (up to 240 mg daily in the elderly).