DILTIAZEM HCL

Drug Name: DILTIAZEM HCL

DILTIAZEM HCL DESCRIPTION:
DILTIAZEM TABLET - ORAL (dill-TIE-uh-zem)

COMMON DILTIAZEM HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Cardizem

DILTIAZEM HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
DILTIAZEM HCL 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, an irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DILTIAZEM HCL:
DILTIAZEM HCL: DILTIAZEM HCL should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. May be taken with or without meals. DILTIAZEM HCL must be taken as directed if used to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking DILTIAZEM HCL suddenly without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

DILTIAZEM HCL USES:
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.

DILTIAZEM HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking DILTIAZEM HCL, tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, liver disease, lung disease, allergies. Limit intake of alcohol while taking DILTIAZEM HCL. DILTIAZEM HCL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. If there is no alternative to using DILTIAZEM HCL you should discontinue breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DILTIAZEM HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, beta-blockers (including eye drops), digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, 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 HCL 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 HCL 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 HCL 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.