Drug Notes

Diltiazem (By mouth)

Diltiazem (dil-TYE-a-zem)

Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Dilt-XR, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Tiazac

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, 12 Hour Capsule, 24 Hour Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
• Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how diltiazem works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
  • Buspirone, carbamazepine, cimetidine, clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, ivabradine, lovastatin, midazolam, quinidine, rifampin, simvastatin, triazolam
  • Other blood pressure medicine, including a beta-blocker
  .

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or digestion problems. Tell your doctor about all heart problems that you have, including heart failure or rhythm problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Worsening of heart failure
  • Serious skin reactions
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fast, slow, uneven, or pounding heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017