WHAT IS Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl TABLETS?

DILTIAZEM/Cardizem er 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.

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

Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl?

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.

HOW SHOULD I USE Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl?

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 SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl?

Cardizem/Cardizem er may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cardizem/Cardizem er with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Cardizem/Cardizem er 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.

Cardizem/Cardizem er may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cardizem/Cardizem er . 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 Cardizem/Cardizem er 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 Cardizem/Cardizem er . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• Rifampin
• Benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, buspirone/Buspar, carbamazepine/Tegretol, cilostazol/Pletal, corticosteroids, cyclosporine/Neoral, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, macrolide immunomodulators
• Amiodarone/Pacerone, cisapride, digoxin/Lanoxin, erythromycin/P.c.e, protease inhibitors, quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline/Uni-dur sr or general anesthetics
• cimetidine or protease inhibitors

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cardizem/Cardizem er 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 Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl?

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

• tender, bleeding, or swollen gums
• irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the feet or hands
• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• hallucinations

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

• headache
• dizziness
• constipation
• weakness
• facial flushing

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Cardizem er/Diltiazem hcl?

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

• 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
• atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre-excitation syndrome

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.