WHAT IS Dilacor/Diltiazem hcl?

DILTIAZEM/Dilacor 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. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain caused by angina. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Dilacor/Diltiazem hcl?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Dilacor/Diltiazem hcl?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole, do not crush or chew. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your should take this medicine with food. 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. Ask your doctor or health care professional how to gradually reduce the dose.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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 Dilacor/Diltiazem hcl?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Dilacor/Diltiazem hcl?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• hawthorn
• ranolazine
• pimozide
• cisapride
• red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• carbamazepine/Tegretol
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• buspirone/Buspar
• local anesthetics or general anesthetics
• lovastatin/Altocor
• quinidine
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
• cyclosporine/Sandimmune
• cimetidine
• medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping like midazolam and triazolam
• digoxin/Lanoxin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Dilacor/Diltiazem hcl?

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

• confusion, mental depression
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• swelling of the feet and ankles
• irregular heartbeat
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

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

• facial flushing
• weak or tired
• nausea, vomiting
• headache
• difficulty sleeping
• constipation or diarrhea
• sexual dysfunction

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

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

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

• heart problems, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
• previous heart attack
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• an unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem/Dilacor , other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• liver disease

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.