What is the most important information I should know about diltiazem?
Do not use this medication if you have certain heart conditions such as "
sick sinus
syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a
pacemaker),
low blood pressure, or if you have
recently had a
heart attack.
Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure.
Diltiazem can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop
taking diltiazem suddenly, your condition may become worse.
Diltiazem may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet,
exercise, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you
feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
What is diltiazem?
Diltiazem is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the
muscles of your heart and blood vessels.
Diltiazem is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and
certain heart rhythm disorders.
Diltiazem may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diltiazem?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diltiazem, or if you have:
-
certain heart conditions, especially "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV
block" (unless you have a pacemaker);
-
low blood pressure; or
-
if you have recently had a heart attack.
Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Diltiazem can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take diltiazem?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Take diltiazem with a full
glass of
water.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a controlled-delivery or extended-release tablet or
capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body.
Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
If you have trouble swallowing a diltiazem capsule whole, ask your doctor or pharmacist
if it is safe for you to open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce to
make swallowing easier. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the
mixture for later use. Discard the empty capsule.
It is important to use diltiazem regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop
taking diltiazem suddenly, your condition may become worse.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you
feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Diltiazem may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet,
exercise, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Your kidney and liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss
any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store diltiazem at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Print
Email
Media Gallery
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
