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| Pronunciation |
|
 (dil
TYE a
zem) |
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| Brand Names |
|
| 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? |
|
|
- 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? |
|
|
- 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? |
|
|
- 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? |
|
|
- 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? |
|
|
- 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.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- 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? |
|
|
- 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 |
|
|
- 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.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight container at room
temperature.
|
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|
| General statements |
|
|
- 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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Copyright © 1978-2001 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.
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