Cardizem

• Diltiazem is used to prevent chest pain (angina). It may help increase your ability to exercise and decrease how often you get angina attacks. 
• Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart, and lowering heart rate. It allows blood to flow more easily and your heart to work less hard to pump blood.
• Long-acting forms of Diltiazem may be used for high blood pressure. If your medical provider prescribes Diltiazem for high blood pressure, check with your pharmacist to make sure you are getting the right form of the drug.

• Take this medication by mouth before meals and at bedtime as directed by your medical provider, usually 3 to 4 times a day.
• Avoid red rice yeast and grapefruit juice while you are taking this medication.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment and other medications you may be taking. 
• Be sure to tell your medical provider and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products. 
• Your medical provider may gradually increase your dose. Follow their instructions carefully.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. 
• This medication must be taken regularly to prevent angina. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (such as sublingual Nitroglycerin) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your medical provider. Consult your medical provider or pharmacist for details.
• Tell your medical provider if your condition worsens—for example, your chest pain worsens or becomes more frequent.

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, flushing, constipation and headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your medical provider or pharmacist right away.
• To lower the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects. Tell your medical provider right away if you experience any serious side effects, including:

  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
  • Fainting
  • New or worsening symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles or feet, unusual tiredness or unusual/sudden weight gain
  • Slow, irregular, pounding or fast heartbeat
  • Mental or mood changes such as depression or agitation
  • Unusual dreams
  • Severe stomach or abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Yellowing eyes or skin

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Diltiazem, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for more details.

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • Certain types of heart rhythm problems such as sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular block
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart failure
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate the effect. Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical provider if you are using marijuana.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, constipation or swelling ankles or feet.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when there is a clear need. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider.
• This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your medical provider before breastfeeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use—including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products—and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
• Digoxin and Fingolimod may interact with this drug.

• Other medications can affect the removal of Diltiazem from your body, which may affect how it works. Examples include:

  • Cimetidine
  • St. John's wort
  • Azole antifungals such as Ketoconazole
  • Macrolide antibiotics such as Erythromycin
  • Rifamycins including Rifabutin and Rifampin

• This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include:

  • Aprepitant/Fosaprepitant
  • Asunaprevir
  • Buspirone
  • Colchicine
  • Flibanserin
  • Ivabradine
  • Lomitapide
  • Methadone
  • Certain benzodiazepines like Triazolam and Midazolam
  • Certain seizure medications like Carbamazepine and Phenytoin
  • Certain cholesterol medications like Lovastatin and Simvastatin

• Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or worsen your chest pain. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely—especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids or NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen.

If someone has overdosed and is experiencing serious symptoms—such as passing out or trouble breathing—call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Lab and/or medical tests such as kidney or liver function, pulse, blood pressure or EKG may be performed while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
• There are different brands and types of this medication available. Many do not have the same effects. Do not change brands or types without consulting your medical provider or pharmacist.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information.