Diltiazem and Dry Mouth

There are possible side effects that can occur in people who are taking diltiazem, and dry mouth is one of them (occurring in less than 1 percent of people taking the drug). If you are taking diltiazem and dry mouth becomes a problem, there are some things you can try, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, sipping water or sugarless drinks often, and chewing sugarless gum.

Diltiazem and Dry Mouth: An Overview

A dry mouth is one of the possible side effects of diltiazem hydrochloride. In studies, less than 1 percent of people taking diltiazem developed a dry mouth.

Diltiazem and Dry Mouth: Suggestions

For people taking diltiazem, there are some things that you can do to help with a dry mouth. Some of these suggestions include:

Sipping water or sugarless drinks often.

Sipping water or sugarless drinks during meals. This will make chewing and swallowing easier. It may also improve the taste of food.

Avoiding drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas. Caffeine can dry out the mouth.

Avoiding tobacco or alcohol, as they can dry out the mouth.

Using a humidifier at night.

Being aware of spicy or salty foods, which can cause pain in a dry mouth.

Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugarless, hard candy to stimulate saliva flow; cinnamon- or mint-flavored candies are good choices.

Diltiazem and Dry Mouth: Summary

If you experience a dry mouth while taking diltiazem and the suggestions above do not help, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as artificial saliva. Also, depending on the severity of your symptoms, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your diltiazem dosage or try another angina or blood pressure medicine.