diltiazem 12-hour sustained-action capsule – oral, Cardizem SR
Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Diltiazem 12-hour sustained-action capsules are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels in the body and heart, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. It is also used to prevent chest pain (angina) and control heart rate in cases of fast/irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation). HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them, as this can release the drug too quickly and increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually based on your condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly at the same times each day for best results, and continue taking it even if you feel well. If used for angina, take it regularly to be effective and use other medications (such as nitroglycerin placed under the tongue) to relieve an angina attack. It may take up to 2 weeks to experience the full benefits of this drug, so inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, flushing, constipation, and headache. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. To reduce the risk of dizziness, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Serious but rare side effects include fainting, abnormal heart rhythm, swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain, mental/mood changes, and severe stomach/abdominal pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing) or rare but serious effects (dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin). This is not an exhaustive list, so consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist, and in the US, you can also report them to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking diltiazem, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies or other medical conditions. This medication is not recommended for certain heart rhythm problems unless you have a pacemaker. Disclose your medical history, especially of liver disease, kidney disease, and heart failure. Diltiazem may cause dizziness, so avoid activities that require alertness. Limit alcohol consumption. Inform your doctor or dentist before undergoing surgery. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products, including herbal supplements, that you are taking. Certain medications can affect the removal of diltiazem from your body and vice versa. Check the labels of all medicines for ingredients that could increase blood pressure or heart rate. Cimetidine, a nonprescription drug for stomach acid, can interact with diltiazem, so consult your pharmacist for alternatives. This is not an exhaustive list of drug interactions, so keep a list of your medications and share it with your healthcare providers.
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OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes that may enhance the effectiveness of this drug, such as stress reduction, exercise, and dietary modifications. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and pulse at home and share the results with your doctor. Consult your doctor for any necessary laboratory or medical tests. Different brands and types of diltiazem may have varying effects, so do not change brands or types without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets. Different brands may have different storage requirements, so consult your pharmacist. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater or household trash. Contact your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
If you experience negative side effects from prescription drugs, report them to the FDA through the FDA MedWatch website or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
The information provided is not comprehensive and should not be used to replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication or changing your diet.
