Drug Class: Calcium Channel Blocker (Benzothiazepine) | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Herbesser 30mg Tablet?
Herbesser 30mg contains Diltiazem Hydrochloride — a calcium channel blocker that relaxes and widens blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing the workload on the heart muscle. It belongs to the benzothiazepine subclass of calcium channel blockers, which work on both blood vessels and the heart's electrical conduction system — giving it a unique dual action compared to other calcium blockers. Herbesser 30mg is prescribed for high blood pressure (ہائی بلڈ پریشر) and chest pain due to angina (سینے کا درد) and must always be used under medical supervision with regular monitoring.
What is Herbesser 30mg Used For?
- Hypertension — lowering and controlling high blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke (ہائی بلڈ پریشر)
- Stable angina pectoris — relieving and preventing chest pain caused by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle (سینے کا درد)
- Vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's angina) — chest pain caused by spasm of the coronary arteries
- Chronic stable angina — long-term management of exertion-related chest pain in patients with coronary artery disease
- Certain heart rhythm problems — rate control in some supraventricular arrhythmias under specialist supervision
How Does Herbesser 30mg Work?
Calcium plays a key role in causing heart muscle and blood vessel walls to contract. Diltiazem blocks the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of both the heart and blood vessel walls through specialised channels. This produces three important effects working together. First, blood vessels relax and widen — reducing the resistance the heart pumps against and lowering blood pressure. Second, the heart beats slightly more slowly and with less force — reducing oxygen demand and relieving angina. Third, Diltiazem slows electrical conduction through the heart's AV node — making it particularly useful for certain fast heart rhythm conditions. Together these effects reduce cardiovascular strain and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never stop Herbesser suddenly without medical advice — abrupt discontinuation can worsen angina or cause rebound hypertension.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Maximum Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | 30–60mg | Three times daily | 360mg |
| Stable angina | 30–60mg | Three times daily | 360mg |
| Vasospastic angina | 30–60mg | Three times daily | 360mg |
Critical Dosing Rules:
- Never stop Herbesser suddenly — dose must be reduced gradually under doctor's supervision to avoid rebound angina or blood pressure surge
- Elderly patients and those with liver or kidney disease may require lower starting doses — your doctor will adjust accordingly
- Heart rate and blood pressure must be monitored regularly during treatment
- The 30mg tablet is typically a starting dose — your doctor may increase gradually based on response
How to Take:
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water
- May be taken with or without food — take consistently the same way each day
- Take at evenly spaced times throughout the day for consistent blood pressure and angina control
- Never crush or chew the tablet unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per Tablet |
|---|---|
| Diltiazem Hydrochloride | 30mg |
Who Should NOT Take Herbesser 30mg?
Do not take if you:
- Are allergic to Diltiazem or any ingredient in the tablet
- Have severe low blood pressure (hypotension) — systolic below 90mmHg
- Have sick sinus syndrome or second or third degree AV heart block — unless a pacemaker is fitted
- Have acute heart attack with pulmonary congestion
- Have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or similar accessory pathway conditions
- Are taking Ivabradine — serious heart rate reduction risk
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Always consult your doctor before taking Herbesser if you have:
- Mild to moderate heart failure (دل کی کمزوری)
- Any degree of AV conduction abnormality or slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Liver disease — Diltiazem is extensively metabolised in the liver; dose adjustment required
- Kidney disease (گردے کی بیماری)
- Are taking beta-blockers — serious additive effect on heart rate and conduction
- Are elderly — more sensitive to blood pressure lowering effects
- Are taking any medicines for heart rhythm, seizures, or immunosuppression
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Ankle swelling (oedema) — caused by blood vessel dilation; common with calcium channel blockers
- Flushing or feeling of warmth — particularly in the face
- Headache — usually mild and improves with continued use
- Dizziness or light-headedness — especially when standing up quickly
- Nausea or mild stomach discomfort
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia) — heart rate should be monitored regularly
Serious Side Effects — Stop Taking and Seek Medical Help Immediately:
- Severe bradycardia — very slow heart rate causing dizziness, fainting, or extreme fatigue (دل کی دھڑکن کا بہت سست ہو جانا)
- Heart block — feeling of fainting, extreme dizziness, or loss of consciousness — this is a medical emergency
- Worsening heart failure — sudden breathlessness, rapid weight gain, severe ankle swelling (طبی ہنگامی صورتحال)
- Severe hypotension — extreme dizziness, fainting, or collapse due to very low blood pressure
- Severe allergic reaction — swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, widespread rash (یہ طبی ہنگامی صورتحال ہے)
- Severe skin reactions — widespread blistering, peeling, or photosensitivity rash — rare but serious; stop immediately
- Liver toxicity — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان), dark urine, severe upper abdominal pain — rare but reported
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Interaction |
|---|---|
| Beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol) | Most significant — combined use causes additive slowing of heart rate and AV conduction; can cause dangerous bradycardia or heart block — only used together under strict cardiology supervision |
| Digoxin | Diltiazem increases Digoxin blood levels and slows AV conduction — serious risk of Digoxin toxicity and heart block; close monitoring required |
| Ivabradine | Additive heart rate reduction — combination is contraindicated |
| Simvastatin / Lovastatin | Diltiazem significantly increases statin blood levels — risk of muscle damage (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis); dose reduction of statin required |
| Cyclosporine / Tacrolimus | Diltiazem increases immunosuppressant blood levels — toxicity risk; requires dose adjustment and close monitoring |
| Antiepileptics (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin) | Diltiazem increases their blood levels — toxicity risk; Carbamazepine and Phenytoin also reduce Diltiazem effectiveness |
| Rifampicin | Significantly reduces Diltiazem blood levels — markedly reduces its effectiveness |
| Antihypertensives / other calcium channel blockers | Additive blood pressure lowering — risk of excessive hypotension |
| Anaesthetics | Additive cardiovascular depression — inform anaesthetist before any surgery |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Enhances blood pressure lowering effect and increases dizziness and fainting risk — avoid |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Keep in original blister pack until use
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I stop taking Herbesser 30mg if my blood pressure feels normal? Never stop Herbesser suddenly — abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound hypertension or worsening angina; always consult your doctor before making any changes to your dose.
Q: Why does Herbesser 30mg cause ankle swelling? Ankle swelling is a common effect of calcium channel blockers caused by blood vessel dilation — it is usually harmless but should be reported to your doctor if it becomes significant or worsens.
Q: Is Herbesser 30mg safe to take with my beta-blocker? This combination requires strict cardiology supervision as both medicines slow the heart rate — never start, stop, or adjust either medicine without your cardiologist's direct guidance.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Herbesser 30mg? Alcohol enhances the blood pressure lowering effect of Diltiazem and significantly increases the risk of dizziness and fainting — it is best avoided completely during treatment.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Herbesser 30mg is a prescription cardiovascular medicine — never start, stop, or adjust the dose without consulting your healthcare provider. Regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring is essential during treatment.