Diltiazem Description

Generic Name : DILTIAZEM

Pronunciation : (dil tye' a zem)

Trade Name(s) : Altiazem, Angizem CD, Angizem, Cardem, Channel, Coriem-XL, Dicard, Dilcal, Dilcardia, Dilcontin, Dilcontin XL, Dilgard ,Dilgard - XL, Dilotol, Dilter CD, Diltiaz, Diltime, Diltisyn, Dilzem, DTM, Emdil, Icidil-CD, Ionozem, ISKI, Kaizem

Why it is prescribed: Diltiazem increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, thereby controlling or relieving chest pain (angina pectoris). Diltiazem is also used to control high blood pressure, and it relaxes the heart so that it does not have to pump as hard.

When it is to be taken: Diltiazern tablets are usually taken four times a day, before meals and at bedtime. The extended-release or long-acting capsules are taken twice a day, 12 hours apart. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

How it should be taken: Diltiazern comes in the form of tablets and extended-release capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Do not stop taking diltiazem without consulting your doctor. Keep all appointments with your doctor.
2. Your doctor may ask you to check your pulse daily while you are taking this medication and will teach you how to do so. If your pulse is slower than the number of beats per minute that your doctor tells you to check for, contact your doctor about taking the drug that day.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than three hours before your next dose of the tablets or less than six hours before your next dose of the long-acting capsules, omit the missed dose and take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, rash. Contact your doctor if the problem persists or is severe.
2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Get up slowly. Contact your doctor if the problem persists or is severe.
3. Swelling of the feet, ankles, or lower legs; irregular or slow heartbeat; increased duration, frequency, or severity of heart pain attacks. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially beta blockers (atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, and timotol), cimetidine, cyclosporine, and digoxin.
3. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease (especially congestive heart failure), liver disease, or kidney disease.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.