General Information and Indications:
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.
Information For Users:
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, ask your doctor or
pharmacist If you have any questions. Take diltiazem exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your
health care provider.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to diltiazem or any other medications.
o Inform 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.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding heart, liver, or kidney
disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diltiazem, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking diltiazem.
Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If
your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these
directions carefully.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of diltiazem are not
common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o lightheadedness or dizziness
o flushing
o headache
o extreme tiredness (fatigue)
o slower heartbeat
o upset stomach
o loss of appetite (anorexia)
o vomiting
o diarrhea
o constipation
o stomach pain
o dry mouth
o difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Brand Name(s):
o Cardizem®
o Cardizem® CD
o Cardizem® Lyo-Ject®
o Cardizem® Monovial®
o Cardizem® SR
o Cartia XT®
o Dilacor XR®
o Diltia XT®
o Tiazac®
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