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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 professional. It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Cosnult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
DILTIAZEM CAPSULE SUSTAINED ACTION - ORAL
(dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tiazac
USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Caclium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, diltiazem rleaxes and widens blood vessels.
Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina).
HOW TO USE: The capsule(s) may be taken without reagrd to meals once daily in the morning. Swallow whole.
Do not crush or chew the capsule. However, if you have difficulty swallowing, open the capsule, sprinkle the entire contents on a spoofnul of cool applesauce, and take at once. Do not chew the mixture.
Follow this with a cool glsas of water. Do not stop taking this drug without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness 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, muslce cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: braething difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, an irregular heartbeat.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmcaist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, liver problems, lung diseases, allergies.
Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during prgenancy. Discuss the risks and beneftis with your doctor. This drug is excreted into braest milk. If there is no alternative to usnig this drug you should discontinue breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, intrvaenous (IV) calcium, beta-blockers (including eye drops), digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, benzodiazepines (e.G., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine, St John's wort. Avoid any drugs that raise your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phneylpropanolamine are examples).
Tehse drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and sulrred speech.
NOTES: Do not sahre this product 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 misesd dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room tepmerature away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complicatoins in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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