diltiazem extended-release tablet in capsule – oral, Dilacor XR

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevent chest pain (angina). It helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. When used regularly, diltiazem decreases the number and severity of episodes of chest pain from angina. It may help increase your ability to exercise. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels in the body and heart to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug only if it has been prescribed by your health care professional to control your heart rate if you have a fast/irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation). HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth without food, usually once daily before breakfast or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time each day. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. This medication must be taken regularly to prevent angina. Use other medications (such as nitroglycerin placed under the tongue) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. If your condition worsens (for example, your chest pain worsens or your routine blood pressure readings increase), tell your doctor. SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, flushing, constipation, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, slow/irregular/pounding/fast heartbeat, swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, unexplained/sudden weight gain, mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation), unusual dreams. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, severe constipation, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/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, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Do not use this medication if you have certain types of heart rhythm problems or if you have a pacemaker, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, or narrowing of any part of the stomach/intestines. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. 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/feet. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially amiodarone, digoxin, fingolimod. Other medications can affect the removal of diltiazem from your body, which may affect how this medication works. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or heart rate. Cimetidine is a nonprescription drug that is commonly used to treat extra stomach acid. Because cimetidine may interact with diltiazem, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat extra stomach acid. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

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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. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Different brands and types of this medication are available. Do not change brands or types without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor. MISSED DOSE: 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 and resume your usual 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 away from children and pets. Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Ask your pharmacist how to store the brand you are using. 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 details about how to safely discard your product.