CARDIZEM
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE
FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR
OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO
INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR
YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING CARDIZEM.
DILTIAZEM TABLET - ORAL (dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Cardizem
USES:
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood
vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and
widens blood vessels. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain
(angina). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems
related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.
HOW TO TAKE CARDIZEM:
CARDIZEM should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless
your doctor directs you otherwise. May be taken with or without
meals. CARDIZEM must be taken as directed if used to prevent chest
pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do
not stop taking CARDIZEM suddenly without your doctor's permission.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
SIDE EFFECTS:
CARDIZEM may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during
the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you
sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to
adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating,
heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore
throat, constipation or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become
bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop:
breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, an irregular
heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking CARDIZEM, tell your doctor if you have:
heart problems, liver disease, lung disease, allergies. Limit intake
of alcohol while taking CARDIZEM. CARDIZEM should be used only when
clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. If there is no
alternative to using CARDIZEM you should discontinue breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially of:
cyclosporine, flecainide, beta-blockers (including eye drops),
digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication,
quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine. Avoid any drugs that
increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine,
pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs
are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do
not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea,
drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For
information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In
Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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