Diltiazem



Cardizem®; Cardizem® CD; Cardizem® LA; Cardizem® SR [DSC]; Cartia XT™; Dilacor® XR; Diltia XT®; Taztia XT™; Tiazac®







Diltiazem

(dil TYE a zem)

U.S. Brand Names
Cardizem®; Cardizem® CD; Cardizem® LA; Cardizem® SR [DSC]; Cartia XT™; Dilacor® XR; Diltia XT®; Taztia XT™; Tiazac®
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Diltiazem CD; Apo-Diltiaz®; Apo-Diltiaz CD®; Apo-Diltiaz SR®; Cardizem®; Cardizem® CD; Cardizem® SR; Diltiazem HCI ER®; Diltiazem Hydrochloride Injection; Gen-Diltiazem; Gen-Diltiazem CD; Med-Diltiazem; Novo-Diltazem; Novo-Diltazem-CD; Novo-Diltazem HCI ER; Nu-Diltiaz; Nu-Diltiaz-CD; ratio-Diltiazem CD; Rhoxal-diltiazem CD; Rhoxal-diltiazem SR; Rhoxal-diltiazem T; Sandoz-Diltiazem CD; Sandoz-Diltiazem T; Syn-Diltiazem®; Tiazac®; Tiazac® XC
Mexican Brand Names
Angiotrofin®; Tilazem®
Pharmacologic Category
Calcium Channel Blocker
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to diltiazem or any other part of this medicine.
  • 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Low blood pressure, poor electrical activity in the heart without a working pacemaker, or severely weakened heart.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a fast heartbeat.
  • This medicine is used to treat chest pain or pressure.
  • This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
  • This medicine is used to treat involuntary body movements.
  • This medicine is used to treat Raynaud's disease.
How does it work?
  • Diltiazem relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • You may sprinkle contents of extended release capsule on soft food or liquid.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Injection:
  • This medicine is given into a vein constantly for a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe headache.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 2 months.
  • Protect liquid (suspension) from light.
  • This injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: