This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- angina
- high blood pressure
- irregular heart beat
Generic Name: Diltiazem
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
The capsules for certain brands of this medicine may be opened and the medicine sprinkled onto applesauce. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules whole, please ask your pharmacist if your capsules can be opened.
Some brands of this medicine should be taken without food while other brands may be taken with food. Ask your pharmacist how you should take your medicine.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- constipation
- dizziness
- feeling of heat or flushing
- headaches
- nausea
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- fainting
- lack of energy and tiredness
- fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- low blood pressure
- mood changes
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- sudden or unexplained weight gain
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
