Diltiazem (By mouth)
dil-TYE-a-zem
Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.
Drug classes
Antianginal, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Diltiazem is used alone or together with other medicines to treat angina (severe chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Capsule, 12 Hour Capsule, 24 Hour Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how diltiazem works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Buspirone, carbamazepine, cimetidine, clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, lovastatin, midazolam, quinidine, rifampin, simvastatin, triazolam Other blood pressure medicine, including a beta-blocker.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diltiazem or similar medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or digestion problems. Tell your doctor about all heart problems that you have, including heart failure or rhythm problems.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Fast, slow, uneven, or pounding heartbeat
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cardizem SR, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Dilt-CD, Dilt-XR, Diltia XT, Diltzac, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Tiazac
There may be other brand names for this medicine.