$Unique_ID{BRK03132} $Pretitle{} $Title{diltiazem} $Subject{Cardizem Marion-Merrell Dow CD SR Antianginal antihypertensive diltiazem angina chest pain calcium channel blockers dilates blood vessels heart oxygen muscle blood pressure hypertension} $Volume{} $Log{ Cardizem*0313201.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. diltiazem ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Cardizem (Marion-Merrell Dow) Cardizem CD (Marion-Merrell Dow) Cardizem SR (Marion-Merrell Dow) TYPE OF DRUG Antianginal and antihypertensive INGREDIENT diltiazem DOSAGE FORMS Extended-release capsules (180 mg, 240 mg, and 300 mg) Tablets (30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg) Sustained-release capsules (60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg) STORAGE Diltiazem should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container. USES This medication is used to prevent the symptoms of angina (chest pain). It belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is unclear exactly how it does so, but diltiazem dilates the blood vessels of the heart and increases the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart muscle. This drug is also prescribed to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. TREATMENT If stomach irritation occurs, diltiazem can be taken either on an empty stomach or with meals, as directed by your doctor. The sustained-release capsules should be swallowed whole; chewing, crushing, or crumbling them destroys their controlled-release activity and possibly increases the side effects. In order to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it at the same times each day. However, Diltiazem does not relieve chest pain once the pain has begun; this medication should be used to prevent angina attacks. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is within four hours of the next scheduled dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. This medication does not cure angina, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. This drug can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. To avoid dizziness when you stand, relax and contract the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about confusion, depression, fainting, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention, hallucinations, palpitations, skin rash, tingling in the fingers or toes, unusual weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Diltiazem can interact with several other medications: 1. Diltiazem should be used cautiously with beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, propranolol, pindolol, and timolol), digitoxin, digoxin, or disopyramide. Side effects on the heart may be increased by the concurrent use of these medications. 2. Cimetidine can decrease the elimination of diltiazem from the body, which can increase the risk of side effects. 3. Diltiazem can increase the blood concentrations of carbamazepine and cyclosporine, which can increase the risk of side effects. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to diltiazem. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had bradycardia (slow heartbeat), heart block, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or sick sinus syndrome. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment. * To prevent fainting while taking this drug, avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Also, avoid prolonged standing and strenuous exercise in hot weather. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Extensive studies in pregnant women have not been conducted, but birth defects have been reported in the offspring of animals that received large doses of diltiazem during pregnancy. It is also known that diltiazem passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding an infant while being treated with this medication, tell your doctor. Unless directed to do otherwise, breast-feeding is not recommended at this time. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.