* Generic Name: diltiazem hydrochloride
* Brand Name: Cardizem
* What is diltiazem?
* What are the possible side effects of diltiazem?
* What is the most important information I should know about
diltiazem?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
diltiazem?
* How should I take diltiazem?
* What happens if I miss a dose?
* What happens if I overdose?
* What should I avoid while taking diltiazem?
* What other drugs will affect diltiazem?
* Where can I get more information?
What is diltiazem?
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the
muscles of your heart and blood vessels.
Diltiazem is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure),
angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders.
Diltiazem may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of diltiazem?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* slow heartbeats;
* pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* heart problems--shortness of breath (even with mild exertion),
swelling, rapid weight gain;
* liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling,
loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
* severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or
purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Common side effects may include:
* dizziness, weakness;
* headache;
* nausea; or
* rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about diltiazem?
You should not use diltiazem if you have very low blood pressure, a
serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block"
(unless you have a pacemaker), or if you have recently had a
heart attack and you have a build-up of fluid in your lungs.
Cardizem Patient Information including How Should I Take
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diltiazem?
You should not use diltiazem if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
* a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV
block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
* very low blood pressure; or
* if you have recently had a heart attack and you have a build-up of
fluid in your lungs.
To make sure diltiazem is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* kidney disease;
* liver disease;
* congestive heart failure; or
* if you also take digoxin, or a beta blocker (such as
atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol,
sotalol, and others).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Diltiazem can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take diltiazem?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or
capsule. Swallow it whole.
To make swallowing easier, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can
open a diltiazem capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of
applesauce. Swallow right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture
for later use.
Use diltiazem regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
You should not stop using diltiazem suddenly. Stopping suddenly may
make your condition worse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of
your life.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. You may also need
frequent blood tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Cardizem Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension
High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Salt Quiz!
Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started
Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222. An overdose of diltiazem can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include slow heartbeat, weakness, chest pain,
shortness of breath, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking diltiazem?
Diltiazem may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with diltiazem and
lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products
with your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking diltiazem.
Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort at the
same time you are taking diltiazem.
What other drugs will affect diltiazem?
Many drugs can interact with diltiazem, and your doctor may need to
change your treatment plan if you use certain other medicines. This
includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and
those you start or stop using. Give a list of all your medicines to any
healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about diltiazem.
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