How should this medicine 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.
Other uses for this medicine
Diltiazem also is used to treat Raynaud's syndrome. Talk
to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug
for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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 special dietary instructions should I follow?
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.
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 this medication 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)
