How is it used?

Before taking

While taking

Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control chest pain (angina). Diltiazem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Diltiazem comes as a tablet and an extended- or dual-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken three or four times a day with or without food. The capsule is usually taken one or two times a day. The extended-release capsule (Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT) should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The extended-release capsule (Tiazac) may be taken with or without food. The dual-release capsule (Cardizem CD) may be taken with food.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diltiazem exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of diltiazem and gradually increase your dose.

If taken regularly, diltiazem controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.

Diltiazem controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of diltiazem. Continue to take diltiazem even if you feel well. Do not stop taking diltiazem without talking to your doctor.

Diltiazem is also used sometimes to treat Raynaud's syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This information being provided is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland.
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