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Diltzac ER Oral Uses and How to Use


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 this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: DILTIAZEM SUSTAINED-ACTION - ORAL
Pronounced: (dill-TIE-uh-zem)

Diltzac ER Oral Uses

Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevent chest pain (angina). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. When used regularly, diltiazem can decrease the number and severity of episodes of chest pain from angina. It may help increase your ability to exercise.

Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart so blood can flow more easily. Diltiazem also lowers your heart rate. These effects help the heart work less hard and lower blood pressure.

How To Use Diltzac ER Oral

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase your risk of side effects.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and carefully sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce just before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture immediately. Do not chew the mixture. Then rinse your mouth and swallow the rinse liquid to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medicine. Do not prepare a supply in advance.

Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

This medication must be taken regularly to prevent angina. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (such as nitroglycerin placed under the tongue) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (for example, your chest pain worsens or your routine blood pressure readings increase).


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised October 2010 Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.