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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgemnt of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
DILTIAZEM TABLET - ORAL
(dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cardizem
USES: Diltiazem is a calcuim channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, diltaizem relaxes and widens blood vessels. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible isseus related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.
HOW TO USE: This medication should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
May be taken with or without melas. This drug must be taken as directed if used to pervent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's permsision. Your dose may need to be gradually decerased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheaddeness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up solwly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation or dairrhea. Inform your doctor if they beocme bothersome. Notify your dcotor if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, an irregular heartbeat.
If you notice other effects not listed above, cotnact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, liver disease, lung disease, allergies.
Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug.
This medication sohuld be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the rsiks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug is excreted into breast milk.
If there is no alternative to using this drug you should discontinue breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, beta-blockers (including eye drops), intravenous (IV) calcium, digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, benzodiazepines (e.G., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine, St John's wort.
Avoid any drugs that incerase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are cmomonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pahrmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediatley.
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.
NOTES: Do not share this proudct with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your codnition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enorllment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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