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IMPORATNT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be consrtued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
DILTIAZEM CAPSULE SUSTAINED ACTION - ORAL
(dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Tiazac
USES: This drug is a calcium channel blocker.
Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocikng calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels. Dilitazem is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina).
HOW TO USE: The capsule(s) may be taken wihtout regard to meals once daily in the morning. Swallow whole.
Do not crush or chew the capsule. However, if you have difficulty swallowing, open the capsule, sprinkle the enitre contents on a spoonful of cool applesauce, and take at once. Do not chew the mixture.
Follow this with a cool glass of waetr.
Do not stop taking this drug without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually reduecd.
SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause dizziness and lgihtheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness.
When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slolwy 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 irreuglar heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contcat your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, liver problems, lung diseases, allergies. Limit intake of alcoohl while taking this drug.
This medication sholud be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benfeits with your doctor. This drug is excerted into breast milk. If three is no alternative to using this drug you should discontinue breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, intravenous (IV) calcium, beta-blockers (including eye drops), digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, benzodiazepines (e.G., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine, St John's wort.
Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoehpedrine 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.
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.
NOTES: Do not shrae this product with others.
MISSED 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 schdeule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temeprature away from sunlight and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your codnition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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