Diltiazem

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Cardizem; Cardizem CD; Cardizem LA; Cartia XT; Dilt-XR; Matzim LA; Taztia XT; Tiadylt ER; Tiazac

Brand Names: Canada

AA-Diltiaz; ACT Diltiazem CD; ACT Diltiazem T; APO-Diltiaz CD; Cardizem CD [DSC]; Diltiazem CD; DilTIAZem T; Diltiazem TZ [DSC]; Diltiazem-CD [DSC]; JAMP Diltiazem T; JAMP-dilTIAZem CD; MAR-Diltiazem CD; MAR-Diltiazem T; Pharma-Diltiaz; PMS-Diltiazem CD [DSC]; PRO-Diltiazem CD; SANDOZ Diltiazem CD [DSC]; SANDOZ Diltiazem T [DSC]; TEVA dilTIAZem XC; TEVA-Diltazem [DSC]; TEVA-Diltiazem CD; TEVA-Diltiazem HCl ER; Tiazac; Tiazac XC

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat high blood pressure.
  • It is used to treat some types of chest pain (angina).
  • It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats.
  • It may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
  • If your child has certain types of abnormal heartbeats. There are many types of abnormal heartbeats with which this drug must not be used. Ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
  • If your child has any of these health problems: Fluid in the lungs, low blood pressure, or recent heart attack.
  • If your child is taking any of these drugs: Ivabradine or rifampin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Have your child avoid tasks or actions that call for alertness until you see how this drug affects your child. These are things like riding a bike, playing sports, or using items such as scissors, lawnmowers, electric scooters, toy cars, or motorized vehicles.
  • To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, have your child rise slowly if your child has been sitting or lying down. Have your child be careful going up and down stairs.
  • Have your child’s blood pressure and heart rate checked often.
  • Your child may need to have an ECG checked while taking this drug. Talk with the doctor.
  • If your child is taking this drug and has high blood pressure, talk with the doctor before giving OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and some natural products or aids.
  • Alcohol may interact with this drug. Be sure your child does not drink alcohol.
  • If your child drinks grapefruit juice or eats grapefruit often, talk with your child’s doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Slow heartbeat.
  • An abnormal heartbeat that is new or worse.
  • Heart failure has gotten worse in some people taking this drug. If your child has heart failure, talk with your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
  • Severe skin reactions have happened with this drug. These have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other severe skin reactions. Sometimes these have been deadly. Get medical help right away if your child has signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; other skin irritation (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

All oral products:

  • Headache.
  • Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.

Injection:

  • Irritation where the shot is given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All oral products:

  • Give this drug at the same time of day.
  • Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.

Regular-release tablets:

  • This drug may be swallowed whole, crushed, or chewed.

30 mg tablets:

  • Do not split or break tablet.

Long-acting tablets and 12 hour capsules:

  • Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.

Long-acting capsules (24 hour):

  • Some drugs may need to be given with food or on an empty stomach. For some drugs, it does not matter. Check with your pharmacist about how to give this drug to your child.
  • Some products may be opened and sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. Some products must be swallowed whole. Check with your pharmacist to see if you can open this product.

Injection:

  • It is given into a vein for a period of time.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

All oral products:

  • Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
  • Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Injection:

  • Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All oral products:

  • Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Injection:

  • If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-11-10

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022