WHAT IS Dilacor er/Diltiazem hcl?

DILTIAZEM/Dilacor er is used for treating high blood pressure and chronic stable angina (chest pain). It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Dilacor/Dilacor er is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload on the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries, increasing blood flow to the heart.

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 Dilacor er/Diltiazem hcl?

Store at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). 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 Dilacor er/Diltiazem hcl?

Take Dilacor/Dilacor er by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Swallow the medicine whole, do not open, break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Taking Dilacor/Dilacor er at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Continue to take Dilacor/Dilacor er even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Dilacor er/Diltiazem hcl?

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

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

\Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Do not suddenly stop taking Dilacor/Dilacor er . Your condition may get worse if you suddenly stop taking it. If you need to stop Dilacor/Dilacor er or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Dilacor/Dilacor er before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly .

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Dilacor er/Diltiazem hcl?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• amiodarone/Cordarone, cimetidine, or HIV protease inhibitors
• ranolazine
• benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, buspirone/Buspar, carbamazepine/Carbatrol, cilostazol/Pletal, cisapride, corticosteroids, cyclosporine/Neoral, digoxin/Digitek, erythromycin/P.c.e, general anesthetics, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, macrolide immunosuppressants, quinidine
• moricizine or rifampin

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 er/Diltiazem hcl?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• confusion, mental depression
• irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• swelling of the feet and ankles
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• 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):

• constipation
• weakness
• headache
• facial flushing
• dizziness

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

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

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

• sick sinus syndrome or second- or third-degree heart block
• liver or kidney disease
• very low blood pressure
• very slow heart rate or heart block
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding
• previous heart attack

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.