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| Pronunciation |
|
 (dil
TYE a
zem) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Cardizem®; Cardizem® CD;
Cardizem® SR; Cartia® XT; Dilacor XR®; Diltia
XT®; Tiamate®; Tiazac® |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Angiotrofin A.P.® (Mexico);
Angiotrofin® (Mexico); Angiotrofin® Retard (Mexico);
Apo-Diltiaz® (Canada); Novo-Diltazem (Canada); Nu-Diltiaz (Canada);
Presoken (Mexico); Presoquim (Mexico); Syn-Diltiazem® (Canada);
Tilazem®
(Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Calcium Channel Blocker |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to diltiazem or any other part of the medicine.
- If you have any of the following conditions: Problem with the
electrical system of the heart unless a pacemaker has fixed it, very low blood
pressure, recent heart attack, fluid in the
lungs.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and/or chest pain
from the heart. This is called angina.
- It is also used to prevent myocardial infarction (MI) after non-Q-wave
MI. Other uses include treatment of involuntary body movements and Raynaud's
syndrome.
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| How does it work? |
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- Diltiazem blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause
relaxation. This results in a lowering of blood pressure and an increased blood
flow to the heart, resulting in less chest
pain.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take before meals.
- Swallow sustained-release forms (SR, CD, XR,
Tiazac™, and others) whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Tiazac™ Extended Release capsules may be opened
and the content sprinkled over applesauce. Do not chew the applesauce and follow
with a glass of cool water.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- There should be an interval of 12-24 hours between doses for the
sustained-release forms.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with
healthcare provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
- Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have ever had heart failure or fluid
in the lungs.
- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase
blood pressure.
- Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
- Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure.
These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like
products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are taking carbamazepine. This
medicine can cause carbamazepine toxicity.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Feeling lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or
lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy,
or chewing gum may help.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Check blood pressure regularly.
- Follow diet plan and exercise program, if you are taking for high
blood pressure, as recommended by healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased
ability to walk.
- Severe headache.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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