What is this medicine?
DILTIAZEM (dil TYE a zem) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-heart disease, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
-liver disease
-previous heart attack
-an unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
-cisapride
-hawthorn
-pimozide
-ranolazine
-red yeast rice
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-carbamazepine
-cimetidine
-cyclosporine
-digoxin
-local anesthetics or general anesthetics
-medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-confusion, mental depression
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-pinpoint red spots on the skin
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-slow, irregular heartbeat
-swelling of the ankles, feet
-unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-change in sex drive or performance
-constipation or diarrhea
-flushing of the face
-headache
-nausea, vomiting
-tired or weak
-trouble sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
