|
|
| |
Diltiazem
Diltiazem
Pronunciation
(dil TYE a zem)
Brand Names
Cardizem® CD; Cardizem® Injectable; Cardizem® SR; Cardizem® Tablet; Dilacor XR®;
Tiamate®; Tiazac®
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Angiotrofin A.P.® (Mexico); Angiotrofin® (Mexico); Angiotrofin® Retard (Mexico);
Apo-Diltiaz® (Canada); Novo-Diltazem (Canada); Nu-Diltiaz (Canada); Presoken
(Mexico); Presoquim (Mexico); Syn-Diltiazem® (Canada); Tilazem® (Mexico)
Therapeutic Categories
Antianginal Agent; Antihypertensive Agent; Calcium Channel Blocker
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and/or chest pain from
the heart. This is called angina.
- It is also used to prevent myocardial infarction (MI) after non-Q-wave MI.
Other uses include treatment of involuntary body movements and Raynaud's
syndrome.
How does it work?
- Diltiazem blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause relaxation.
This results in a lowering of blood pressure and an increased blood flow to the
heart, resulting in less chest pain.
How is it best taken?
- Take before meals.
- Swallow sustained-release forms (SR, CD, XR, Tiazac®, and others) whole. Do
not chew, break, or crush.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- There should be an interval of 12-24 hours between doses for the
sustained-release forms.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare
provider.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well
with other medicines.
- Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have ever had heart failure or fluid in the
lungs.
- Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase blood
pressure.
- Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
- Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These
include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like
products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are taking carbamazepine. This medicine can
cause carbamazepine toxicity.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Feeling lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that
require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying
position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet
may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or
chewing gum may help.
What should I monitor?
- Check blood pressure regularly.
- Follow diet plan and exercise program, if you are taking for high blood
pressure, as recommended by healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to
walk.
- Severe headache.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
