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.

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.

Which is better for fissure diltiazem or nifedipine?

A numbers of studies have shown that topical nifedipine with a healing rate of up to 95% has a higher effectiveness compared to diltiazem, which has a 67% healing rate (16,17).

Will diltiazem side effects go away?

Some side effects of diltiazem may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

How do you use diltiazem ointment?

Apply a small amount to your finger (approximately 2.5cm) and place the cream just inside the anus, at the entrance. A finger covering, such as cling film or a disposable glove may be used to apply the ointment. Use the cream twice a day every day (morning and evening) for 2 months.

Can diltiazem cause palpitations?

Disturbances of the gut, such as constipation, indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain. Feeling weak, tired or unwell. Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations). Slowed conduction of the electrical messages in the heart.

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.

What are the side effects of diltiazem cream?

A few adults in the studies had itchiness or irritation around the place where the diltiazem cream or ointment was applied. Some people had mild headaches while using it.

Is diltiazem safe to use long term?

Based on the studies, diltiazem cream or ointment does not appear to cause significant harm or side effects in adults using it in the short 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.

How long does topical diltiazem take to heal perianal fissure?

Results: Fifty-one patients (75 per cent) experienced healing of the fissure after 2–3 months of treatment with topical diltiazem. Seventeen patients who did not heal were treated for a further 8 weeks with topical diltiazem.