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Common brand names: Cardizem, Dilacor-XR, CD, SR, and others
Why is diltiazem prescribed?
Diltiazem increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the
heart, thereby controlling or relieving chest pain (angina pectoris). Diltiazem
is used to control high blood pressure and to relax the heart so that it does
not have to pump as hard. It might also be used for other conditions (such as
following open heart surgery) as determined by your doctor.
When should diltiazem be used?
Diltiazem is usually taken one to four times a day. This medicine must be
taken regularly to be effective. Follow the directions on the prescription
label, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part you do not
understand.
How should it be used?
Diltiazem comes in tablets and controlled-release (long-acting) capsules.
The prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not chew,
break, or crush the long-acting capsules. Talk with your pharmacist about any
specific instructions for the different diltiazem formulations and about any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What special instructions should I follow while using this drug?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor might ask you to check your
pulse daily while you are taking this medicine and will teach you how to do
so. If your pulse is slower than the recommended number of beats per minute,
contact your doctor to ask if you should take the drug that day.
Your doctor might prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet and instruct you to
follow a daily exercise program. Follow these instructions carefully.
It is not unusual to see the extended-release capsule shell in your stool
since it does not dissolve completely.
Be sure you always have enough of this medicine on hand. Check your
supply before vacations, holidays, and other occasions when you might be unable to
obtain it.
NEVER stop taking diltiazem without consulting your doctor.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, UNLESS it is less than three hours
before you next dose of the tablets or less than six hours before your
next dose of the long-acting capsules. In this case, omit the missed dose and
take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
What side effects can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Although side effects from diltiazem are not common, these can occur:
- Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, rash
Contact your doctor if these problems persist or are severe.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you get up from a
lying or sitting position
Try getting up more slowly. Contact your doctor if the problem persists
or if it is severe.
- Shortness of breath; swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs;
irregular (slow) heartbeat; increased duration, frequency, or severity of
heart pain attacks
Contact your doctor immediately.
- Swollen gum tissue around teeth, tenderness and bleeding of gums
Brush your teeth regularly and schedule a dental cleaning every six
months.
If you experience any other side effects that you think could be caused by
this drug and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.
What other precautions should I follow while using this drug?
Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have heart disease (especially congestive heart failure), liver
disease, or kidney disease
- About any vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, non-prescription
(over-the-counter), and other prescription medicines you are taking,
especially beta blockers (atenolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol,
metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol and timolol), cimetidine,
cyclosporine, and digoxin (Also inform your pharmacist.)
- Never share your medicine with anyone.
What storage conditions are necessary for this drug?
- Keep diltiazem in its original container, with the lid tightly closed.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Store it at room temperature.
- Never take outdated medicines. Some prescription labels list
an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medicine label or if you
are unsure how old a medicine is, call your pharmacy.
This handout summarizes information to help you understand
and safely take your medicine. Other information--not included in this
handout--might be important for you to know because of your unique health status.
Ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information on the medicines
prescribed for you and your unique health care needs.
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