Information about Chest pain (Generic Diltiazem) :


Diltiazem is in the class of calcium channel blockers. It effects by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, decreasing heart rate, and/or normalizing heart rhythm. It may also be used for controlling heart rate response to other rhythm disturbances, specifically, atrial fibrillation and flutter. It may also be used for other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.

You should not use Diltiazem in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in it; you experience sick sinus syndrome or have second- or third-degree heart block and do not have a pacemaker, or very low blood pressure; you experience atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre-excitation syndrome (extra conduction pathway in the heart), such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome (LGL); you are taking injectable beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol) or erythromycin.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Before using Diltiazem:
Be aware that Diltiazem may interact with some medical conditions. Consult with your doctor in case you have any medical conditions listed below: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; if you have heart failure or have had a recent heart attack with lung congestion, heart block, low blood pressure, a very slow heart rate, or abnormal heart rhythm; if you have kidney or liver disease.

Be aware that Diltiazem may interact with some medicines. Consult with your doctor in case you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the next: Cimetidine or protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir) because they may increase the actions and side effects of Diltiazem; Rifampin because it may decrease the effectiveness of Diltiazem; Amiodarone, cisapride, digoxin, erythromycin, protease inhibitors (eg, indinavir), quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, desipramine), theophylline, or general anesthetics because toxic effects on the heart may occur; Benzodiazepines (eg, midazolam), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), cyclosporine, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, atorvastatin), macrolide immunomodulators (eg, tacrolimus) because the risk of their side effects, some potentially life-threatening, may be increased by Diltiazem.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Diltiazem:
Take this medicine as recommended by your doctor. Diltiazem is usually injected at your doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. Use Diltiazem at home only after your doctor teaches you how to use it. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose carefully. Contact your doctor about any questions.

Do not use Diltiazem if there are particles, it is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

Store Diltiazem out of the reach of children and pets. Use needles, syringes, and other materials only once. Ask your doctor how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then follow your usual schedule. Nevertheless, if it is near to the time for your next dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take a double dose.

Important safety information:
Diltiazem may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, so be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. You should avoid such activities if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Sit up or stand slowly. Sit or lie down in case you experience these. Contact your doctor if you faint. Alcohol may increase such symptoms. Avoid taking alcohol and other medicines.

You may become sensitive to the sun while taking Diltiazem. If you do not know your reaction to Diltiazem, try not to expose to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Wear a sunscreen or protective clothing if you go out.

Let your doctor or dentist know that you take Diltiazem before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

LAB TESTS, including electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed to monitor your progress.

Use Diltiazem with caution in the ELDERLY as they are sensitive to its effects.

Do not use Diltiazem in CHILDREN; there is no reliable data about safety and effectiveness in children.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
Consult with your doctor if you plan to become pregnant, as the benefits and risks of using Diltiazem during while you are pregnant are not known. There is no reliable data whether Diltiazem passes into breast milk. You are not recommended to breast-feed when being treated with Diltiazem.

Possible side effects of Diltiazem:
Not everyone experience side effects; however consult with your doctor if you have any of the most COMMON side effects: constipation; dizziness; facial flushing; headache; weakness.

Seek emergency if you experience any of these severe side effects: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; swelling of the feet or hands; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.