$Unique_ID{BRK01932}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{DILTIAZEM}
$Subject{Cardizem (Marion)
Cardizem SR (Marion)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


DILTIAZEM
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cardizem (Marion)
     Cardizem SR (Marion)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antianginal and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     diltiazem
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg)
     Sustained-release capsules (60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg)
STORAGE:
     Diltiazem should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     This medication is used to prevent the symptoms of angina (chest pain).
It belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.  It is
unclear exactly how it does so, but diltiazem dilates the blood vessels of the
heart and increases the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart muscle.  This
drug is also prescribed to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

TREATMENT

     If stomach irritation occurs, diltiazem can be taken either on an empty
stomach or with meals, as directed by your doctor.  The sustained-release
capsules should be swallowed whole; chewing, crushing, or crumbling them
destroys their controlled-release activity and possibly increases the side
effects.
     In order to become accustomed to taking this medication, try to take it
at the same times each day.
     Diltiazem does not relieve chest pain once it has begun; this medication
is used to prevent angina attacks.  If you miss a dose of this medication,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is within four hours of
the next scheduled dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all;
just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.
     This medication does not cure angina, but it will help to control the
condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia,
light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset, or vomiting.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     This drug can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  Therefore, avoid
prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective clothing and
sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion, depression, fainting, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention,
hallucinations, palpitations, skin rash, tingling in the fingers or toes,
unusual weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Diltiazem can interact with several other types of medications:
     1. Diltiazem should be used cautiously with beta blockers (acebutolol,
atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol, esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol,
penbutolol, propranolol, pindolol, timolol), digitoxin, digoxin, or
disopyramide.  Side effects on the heart may be increased by the concurrent
use of these medications.
     2. Cimetidine can decrease the elimination of diltiazem from the body,
which can increase the risk of side effects.
     3. Diltiazem can increase the blood concentrations of cyclosporine, which
can increase the risk of side effects.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to diltiazem.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had bradycardia (slow heartbeat), heart
block, heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, or
sick sinus syndrome.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * To prevent fainting while taking this drug, avoid drinking large
amounts of alcohol.  Also, avoid prolonged standing and strenuous exercise in
hot weather.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies in
pregnant women have not been conducted, but birth defects have been reported
in the offspring of animals that received large doses of diltiazem during
pregnancy.  It is also known that diltiazem passes into breast milk.  If you
are breast-feeding an infant while being treated with this medication, tell
your doctor.  Unless directed to do otherwise, breast-feeding is not
recommended at this time.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
