dil-TYE-a-zem
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Cardizem
- Cardizem CD
- Cardizem LA
- Cartia XT
- Dilacor XR
- Dilt-CD
- Diltia XT
- Dilt-XR
- Diltzac
- Matzim LA
- Taztia XT
- Tiazac
Available Dosage Forms:
- Capsule, Extended Release
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Tablet
- Capsule, Extended Release, 24 HR
- Capsule, Extended Release, 12 HR
Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Calcium Channel Blocker
Chemical Class: Benzothiazepine
Uses For diltiazem
Diltiazem is used alone or together with other medicines to treat severe chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled .
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, diltiazem relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload .
diltiazem is available only with your doctor's prescription .
Before Using diltiazem
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For diltiazem, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of diltiazem in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of diltiazem in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving diltiazem .
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
Breast Feeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking diltiazem, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using diltiazem with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Cisapride
Using diltiazem with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Alprenolol
- Amiodarone
- Aprepitant
- Atazanavir
- Atenolol
- Atorvastatin
- Betaxolol
- Bevantolol
- Bisoprolol
- Bucindolol
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Clonidine
- Clozapine
- Colchicine
- Crizotinib
- Dantrolene
- Dilevalol
- Dronedarone
- Droperidol
- Erythromycin
- Esmolol
- Everolimus
- Fentanyl
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Lurasidone
- Mepindolol
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Propranolol
- Ranolazine
- Simvastatin
- Sotalol
- Talinolol
- Tertatolol
- Timolol
- Tolvaptan
Using diltiazem with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alfentanil
- Alfuzosin
- Amlodipine
- Aspirin
- Buspirone
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Cilostazol
- Cimetidine
- Clopidogrel
- Colestipol
- Cyclosporine
- Dalfopristin
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Dutasteride
- Efavirenz
- Enflurane
- Fosaprepitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Guggul
- Indinavir
- Lithium
- Lovastatin
- Methylprednisolone
- Midazolam
- Moricizine
- Nevirapine
- Nifedipine
- Phenytoin
- Quinupristin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Ritonavir
- Sirolimus
- St John's Wort
- Tacrolimus
- Triazolam
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of diltiazem. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bowel blockage, severe or
- Congestive heart failure—Use with caution. May make this condition worse .
- Heart attack or
- Heart block (type of abnormal heart rhythm, can use if have a pacemaker that works properly) or
- Hypotension (low blood pressure), severe or
- Lung problem (e.g., pulmonary congestion) or
- Sick sinus syndrome (type of abnormal heart rhythm, can use if have a pacemaker that works properly)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions .
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects of diltiazem may be increased because of slower removal from the body .
Proper Use of diltiazem
In addition to the use of diltiazem, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and changes in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet .
Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well .
Remember that diltiazem will not cure your high blood pressure, but it does help control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease .
Swallow the extended-release tablet or extended-release capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or chew it. It is best to take the extended-release capsule on an empty stomach .
Dosing
The dose of diltiazem will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of diltiazem. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For chest pain:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults—At first, 30 milligrams (mg) four times a day before meals and at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults—At first, 180 mg once a day either in the evening or in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- Adults—At first, 120 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For high blood pressure:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults—At first, 180 to 240 milligrams (mg) once a day either in the morning or at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- Adults—At first, 180 to 240 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of diltiazem, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions While Using diltiazem
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure diltiazem is working properly and to check for unwanted effects .
Low blood pressure (hypotension) may occur while taking diltiazem. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: blurred vision; confusion; severe dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; sweating; or unusual tiredness or weakness .
Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach; pale stools; dark urine; loss of appetite; nausea; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem .
Serious skin reactions can occur with diltiazem. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking diltiazem: blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; chills; cough; diarrhea; itching; joint or muscle pain; red skin lesions, often with a purple center; skin rash; sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips; or unusual tiredness or weakness .
diltiazem Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Body aches or pain
- congestion
- cough
- dryness or soreness of throat
- fever
- hoarseness
- runny nose
- tender or swollen glands in neck
- trouble in swallowing
- voice changes
- Chest pain or discomfort
- chills
- diarrhea
- difficult or labored breathing
- feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded
- feeling of warmth or heat
- flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- headache
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches and pains
- nausea
- shivering
- shortness of breath
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- sore throat
- sweating
- swelling of hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
- tightness in chest
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- wheezing
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
- itching
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- no heart beat
- red irritated eyes
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Sneezing
- stuffy nose
- Acid or sour stomach
- belching
- constipation
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
- degenerative disease of the joint
- difficulty in moving
- hearing loss
- heartburn
- indigestion
- lack or loss of strength
- muscle aching or cramping
- muscle pains or stiffness
- pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
- rash
- sleeplessness
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- swollen joints
- unable to sleep
- Hair loss or thinning of hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: diltiazem side effects (in more detail)
The information contained in the Thomson Reuters Micromedex products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.
The use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Reuters Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON REUTERS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Reuters Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Reuters Healthcare products.
More diltiazem resources
- Diltiazem Side Effects (in more detail)
- Diltiazem Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Diltiazem Drug Interactions
- Diltiazem Support Group
- 31 Reviews for Diltiazem - Add your own review/rating
- Diltiazem MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Diltiazem Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Cardizem Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Cardizem Consumer Overview
- Cardizem CD Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Cardizem CD 24-Hour Sustained-Release Beads Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Cardizem LA Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Cardizem LA 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Cartia XT Prescribing Information (FDA)
- DILT-CD Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Dilacor XR 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Dilacor XR Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Dilt-XR Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Diltia XT Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Diltiazem Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Matzim LA Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Taztia XT Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Taztia XT 24-Hour Extended-Release Beads Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Tiazac Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Tiazac Consumer Overview
Compare diltiazem with other medications
- Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure
- Raynaud's Syndrome
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
