DILTIAZEM ER

Drug Name: DILTIAZEM ER

DILTIAZEM ER DESCRIPTION:
DILTIAZEM EXTENDED RELEASE TABLET IN CAPSULE - ORAL (dill-TIE-uh-zem)

COMMON DILTIAZEM ER BRAND NAME(S):
Dilacor XR

DILTIAZEM ER SIDE EFFECTS:
DILTIAZEM ER 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, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet or an irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DILTIAZEM ER:
DILTIAZEM ER: The capsule should be taken on an empty stomach once daily in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule. Do not stop taking DILTIAZEM ER suddenly without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

DILTIAZEM ER USES:
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure.

OTHER USES OF DILTIAZEM ER:
DILTIAZEM ER may also be used to treat irregular heartbeats.

DILTIAZEM ER PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease. Avoid alcohol while taking DILTIAZEM ER. DILTIAZEM ER has not been extensively studied in pregnant or nursing women. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

DILTIAZEM ER DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of cyclosporine, flecainide, lithium, beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol), timolol ophthalmic, digoxin, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, quinidine, carbamazepine, rifampin, and cimetidine. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DILTIAZEM ER 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 slurred speech.

MISSED DILTIAZEM ER 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 missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DILTIAZEM ER STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.