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 angina (chest pain) or high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
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 antifungals (such as ketoconazole), beta-blockers (such as propranolol or timolol), benzodiazepines (such as triazolam or midazolam), buspirone, 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, 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 fluid build-up in the lungs, certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, aortic stenosis, recent heart attack, or very slow heartbeat), kidney problems, liver problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have certain irregular heartbeat, severe low blood pressure, or serious heart failure following a heart attack. 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. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken with or without food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. 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 TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure checks, heart function, liver function and kidney function may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY 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. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands; dizziness; and slow heartbeat. 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.
A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while you are taking this medicine is headache. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience cough; dizziness; drowsiness; facial flushing; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to the sun; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; trouble sleeping; unusual bleeding or bruising; vision changes; or weakness or fatigue. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; dark urine; fainting; very fast or very slow heartbeat; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes; pale stools; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting; personality changes; reddened, blistered or swollen skin; shortness of breath; sudden weight gain; swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. 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 severe dizziness or lightheadedness, unusual weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, persistent nausea, unusual drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.
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. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.