TIAZAC
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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 TIAZAC.
DILTIAZEM CAPSULE SUSTAINED ACTION - ORAL (dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Tiazac
USES:
TIAZAC 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 high blood pressure
or chest pain (angina).
HOW TO TAKE TIAZAC:
The capsule(s) may be taken without regard to meals once daily in
the morning. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew the capsule.
However, if you have difficulty swallowing, open the capsule,
sprinkle the entire contents on a spoonful of cool applesauce, and
take at once. Do not chew the mixture. Follow this with a cool glass
of water. Do not stop taking TIAZAC without your doctor's
permission. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced.
SIDE EFFECTS:
TIAZAC 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 TIAZAC, tell your doctor if you have:
heart problems, liver problems, lung diseases, allergies. Limit
intake of alcohol while taking TIAZAC. TIAZAC 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 TIAZAC 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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