DILTIAZEM is used for treating supraventricular tachycardia, a rhythm disturbance of the heart. It is also used for controlling heart rate response to other rhythm disturbances, specifically, atrial fibrillation and flutter. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, and/or normalizing heart rhythm.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre-excitation syndrome
• kidney or liver disease
• 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

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is usually taken before meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cimetidine or protease inhibitors
• Rifampin
• Amiodarone, cisapride, digoxin, erythromycin, protease inhibitors, quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline or general anesthetics
• Benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, macrolide immunomodulators

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Diltiazem may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• 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

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• facial flushing
• dizziness
• headache
• weakness

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Diltiazem may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Diltiazem with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Diltiazem may cause lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Diltiazem may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Diltiazem . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Tell your doctor or dentist 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 while you use Diltia. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Diltiazem with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects. Diltiazem should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Diltiazem while you are pregnant. Diltiazem is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Diltia.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.