Pronunciation: dil-TYE-a-zem
Generic Name: Diltiazem
Brand Name: Examples include Diltia XT and Dilt-XR
Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules are 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.
Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules are a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload of the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries, which increases blood flow to the heart.
Do NOT use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules
- you have certain heart problems (eg, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree heart block) and do not have a pacemaker, you have very low blood pressure, or you have fluid buildup in the lungs during or soon after a heart attack
- you are taking erythromycin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules:
Some medical conditions may interact with Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have heart failure, a recent heart attack with lung congestion, heart block, a very slow heart rate, or other heart problems; low blood pressure; certain stomach or intestine problems (eg, narrowing); liver disease; or kidney problems
- if you are taking other medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, dronedarone), cimetidine, clonidine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, indinavir), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules's side effects, such as heart rhythm problems
- Benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cisapride, colchicine, corticosteroids (eg, hydrocortisone), cyclosporine, digoxin, everolimus, fentanyl, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, simvastatin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lurasidone, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin ), macrolide immunosuppressants (eg, tacrolimus), nifedipine, quinidine, ranolazine, theophylline, or vasopressin antagonists (eg, tolvaptan) because the risk of their side effects, some potentially life-threatening, may be increased by Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules
- Moricizine or rifamycins (eg, rifampin) because they may decrease Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules 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.
How to use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules:
Use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Swallow Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules whole. Do not open, break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Taking Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules, 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.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules.
Important safety information:
- Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules may cause dizziness, 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.
- Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules. 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 Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules. Your condition may get worse if you suddenly stop taking it. If you need to stop Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules.
- Lab tests, including blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and heart rate, may be performed while you use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands; dizziness; and slow heartbeat.
- Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules while you are pregnant. Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules.
Possible side effects of Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; dizziness; facial flushing; headache; lightheadedness; tiredness; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; personality changes; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden weight gain; swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual or persistent tiredness or weakness; vision changes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Diltia XT side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; difficulty breathing, especially when lying down; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; lightheadedness, especially when standing; loss of consciousness; nausea; nervousness; slurred speech; unusual weakness; very slow heart rate.
Proper storage of Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules:
Store Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules 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 Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Diltia XT 24-Hour Sustained-Release Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Diltia XT resources
- Diltia XT Side Effects (in more detail)
- Diltia XT Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Diltia XT Drug Interactions
- Diltia XT Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Diltia XT - Add your own review/rating
Compare Diltia XT with other medications
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