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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professinoal. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using this drug.
DILTIAZEM EXTENDED RELEASE TABLET IN CAPSULE - ORAL
(dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dilacor XR
USES: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker.
Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the haert. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat irregular heartbeats.
HOW TO USE: The capsule should be taken on an empty stomach once daliy in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not open, chew or crush the cpasule.
Do not stop taking this drug suddenly wtihout your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually dcereased.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lighhteadedness especially 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 adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nsaal congestion, sore throat, constipation or diarrhea. Inform your dcotor if they become bothersome.
Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, an irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effetcs not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Aviod alcohol while taking this medication. This drug has not been extensively studied in pregnant or nursing women. Be sure to tell your docotr if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, lithium, beta-blockers (e.G., atenolol, propranolol), intravenous (IV) calcium, timolol ophthalmic, digoxin, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, benzodiazepnies (e.G., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, quinidine, carbamazepine, rifampin, cimetidine, St John's wort.
Avoid any durgs that raise your heart rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are cmomonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any mdeicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cetner 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 this 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 resume your usual dosnig schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room tempreature away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medcial emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAelrt at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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