Can Clonidine Be Taken To Lower BP While On Diltiazem?

Posted on Tue, 24 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi ! My cardiologist switched me from Diovan to Diltiazem as I startd to get A-Fib. He said this will control BP and A-fib. My BP was always 120/78 ish with Diovan. Now its running 170/85 with Diltiazem. Do I need and increased dosage? Can I take clonidine 0.1 mg to get my BP down immediately.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Diltiazem is more effective on controlling HR than on lowering your BP. Since your BP has been increased after therapy change you should increase the dose of Diltiazem to 180 mg per day.

Moreover, if you were my patient I would recommend to take also again Diovan (tigether with Diltiazem) in order to control your BP.

Since your BP is arround 170/85 mmHg you may take Clonidine 0.1 mg to lower it.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar