| Why
is Diltiazem prescribed?
Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control chest
pain (angina). Diltiazem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel
blockers.
It
works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to
pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to
the heart.
How
should Diltiazem be used?
Diltiazem comes as a tablet and an extended- or dual-release (long-acting)
capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken three or four
times a day with or without food. The capsule is usually taken one
or two times a day. The extended-release capsule (Cardizem SR, Dilacor
XR, Diltia XT) should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour
before or 2 hours after a meal. The extended-release capsule (Tiazac)
may be taken with or without food. The dual-release capsule (Cardizem
CD) may be taken with food.
Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take diltiazem exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow
the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your
doctor will probably start you on a low dose of diltiazem and gradually
increase your dose.
If
taken regularly, diltiazem controls chest pain, but it does not
stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different
medication to take when you have chest pain.
Diltiazem
controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not
cure them. It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit
of diltiazem. Continue to take diltiazem even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking diltiazem without talking to your doctor.
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What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking diltiazem, tell
your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diltiazem or any
other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially heart and blood pressure
medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), quinidine
(Quinaglute, Quinidex), and diuretics (water pills); carbamazepine
(Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
fentanyl (Duragesic); medications to treat depression; medications
to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); theophylline;
and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney
disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diltiazem,
call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor
or dentist that you are taking diltiazem.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Diltiazem cause?
Although side effects from diltiazem are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
dizziness
or lightheadedness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
headache
excessive tiredness
slower heartbeat
upset stomach
loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
stomach pain
dry mouth
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
swelling
of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
fever
increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)
What storage conditions are needed for Diltiazem?
Keep Diltiazem in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your blood pressure should be checked regularly to determine your
response to diltiazem.
Your
doctor may ask you to check your pulse (heart rate) daily and will
tell you how fast it should be. If your pulse is slower than it
should be, call your doctor for directions on taking diltiazem that
day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to check your
pulse.
The
extended-release capsule does not dissolve in the stomach after
swallowing. It slowly releases the medicine as it passes through
your small intestines. It is not unusual to see the capsule shell
in your stool.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Diltiazem :
Full Prescribing Information |