Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Diltiazem
Severity: Moderate
Clopidogrel and Diltiazem: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Diltiazem may reduce conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite, potentially lessening platelet inhibition. The clinical significance on cardiovascular outcomes is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel and Diltiazem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular; Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4, which contributes to clopidogrel bioactivation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antihypertensive is suitable, particularly in high-risk stent patients; otherwise monitor for thrombotic events.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Clopidogrel and Diltiazem, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Other interactions of Clopidogrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clopidogrel with Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clopidogrel and Diltiazem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Diltiazem may reduce conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite, potentially lessening platelet inhibition. The clinical significance on cardiovascular outcomes is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel and Diltiazem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative antihypertensive is suitable, particularly in high-risk stent patients; otherwise monitor for thrombotic events.
What other medicines interact with Diltiazem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diltiazem with, for example, Flibanserin, Ivabradine, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Diltiazem page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
