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IPMORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indciate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your helathcare professional before using that drug.
DILTIAZEM 12 HOUR SUSTAINED ACTION CAPSULE - ORAL
(dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cardizem SR
USES: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, diltizaem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heart rates.
Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure.
OTHER USES: This meidcation may also be used to treat irregular heartbeats.
HOW TO USE: The capsule(s) may be taken without regard to meals twice daily or as directed.
Swallow whole. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule. Do not stop taking that drug suddenly witohut your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradulaly decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especilaly during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjsut and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipaiton or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become btohersome.
Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, an irregluar heartbeat. If you notice otehr effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, liver problems, lung diseases, allergies (especially drug allergies). Limit intake of alcoohl while taking that drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discsus the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk.
If there is no alternative to usnig that drug you should discontinue breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, beta-blockers (including eye drops), intravenous (IV) calcium, digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, benzodiazepiens (e.G., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine, St John's wort. Avoid any drgus that raise your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drgus are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicnie without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.
NOTES: Do not share that porduct with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resmue your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunilght and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment infromation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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