Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: DILTIAZEM (dil-TYE-a-zem)
This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Calcium is needed for blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, this medicine causes the blood vessels to relax and widen. This can help to lower blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Diltiazem may also be used to treat chest pain (angina) and irregular heartbeats.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking erythromycin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking certain antifungal (such as ketoconazole), beta-blockers (such as propranolol or timolol), benzodiazepines (such as triazolam or midazolam), intravenous (IV) calcium, carbamazepine, cholesterol-lowering "statin" medicines (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, or atorvastatin), cilostazol, cimetidine, corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone), cyclosporine, digoxin, other medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions, certain medicines for heart rhythm (such as amiodarone, flecainide, or propafenone), certain medicines for HIV (such as atazanavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, or tipranavir), hydantoins (such as phenytoin), phenobarbital, quinidine, ranolazine, rifamycins, (such as rifampin), sirolimus, St. John's wort, general surgery anesthesia, tacrolimus, terfenadine, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants (such as imipramine), or warfarin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of other heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, or extreme bradycardia), kidney problems, or liver problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of certain heart rhythm problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, second-degree or third-degree AV block without a ventricular pacemaker, ventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter or fibrillation with Wolff-Parkinson-White or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome), severe low blood pressure, seriously compromised heart conditions (such as recent heart attack with lung congestion or cardiogenic shock). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is usually taken by mouth once daily. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses to get the most benefit. TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time every day to help you remember. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is acceptable. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Your condition may get worse if you suddenly stop this medicine. Your doctor may need to decrease your dose gradually. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT ALCOHOL while taking this medicine. If dizziness or lightheadedness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicines such as diet or appetite control products, or cough-and-cold products. Ingredients in these medicines could increase your blood pressure or your heart rate. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, headache, weakness, flushing, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of the hands or feet; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; trouble breathing; sudden weight gain; chest pain; mental or mood changes; stomach pain; yellowing eyes and skin; dark urine; or unexplained fever. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed or irregular heartbeat, severe weakness, and fainting.
Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medicine. It may be best to learn how to monitor your blood pressure on your own. Talk about this with your doctor. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are taking this medicine. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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