Pronunciation: dil-TYE-a-zem
Generic Name: Diltiazem
Brand Name: Cardizem LA
Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets are used for:
Treating high blood pressure and chronic stable angina (chest pain). It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets are a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload of the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries, which increases blood flow to the heart.
Do NOT use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets
- you have certain heart problems (eg, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree heart block) and do not have a pacemaker, you have very low blood pressure, or you have fluid buildup in the lungs during or soon after a heart attack
- you are taking erythromycin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have heart failure, a recent heart attack with lung congestion, heart block, a very slow heart rate, or other heart problems; low blood pressure; certain stomach or intestine problems (eg, narrowing); liver disease; or kidney problems
- if you are taking other medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, dronedarone), cimetidine, clonidine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, indinavir), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets's side effects, such as heart rhythm problems
- Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cisapride, colchicine, corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone), cyclosporine, digoxin, everolimus, fentanyl, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, simvastatin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lurasidone, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), nifedipine, quinidine, ranolazine, theophylline, or vasopressin antagonists (eg, tolvaptan) because the risk of their side effects, some potentially life-threatening, may be increased by Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets
- Moricizine or rifamycins (eg, rifampin) because they may decrease Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets:
Use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Taking Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets. Your condition may get worse if you suddenly stop taking it. If you need to stop Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets.
- Lab tests, including blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and heart rate, may be performed while you use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands; dizziness; and slow heartbeat.
- Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets while you are pregnant. Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets.
Possible side effects of Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; dizziness; facial flushing; headache; lightheadedness; tiredness; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; personality changes; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden weight gain; swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual or persistent tiredness or weakness; vision changes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Diltiazem side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; difficulty breathing, especially when lying down; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; lightheadedness, especially when standing; loss of consciousness; nausea; nervousness; slurred speech; unusual weakness; very slow heart rate.
Proper storage of Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets:
Store Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Diltiazem 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Diltiazem resources
- Diltiazem Side Effects (in more detail)
- Diltiazem Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Diltiazem Drug Interactions
- Diltiazem Support Group
- 31 Reviews for Diltiazem - Add your own review/rating
Compare Diltiazem with other medications
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