What is/are Diltiazem tablets?
DILTIAZEM is used for treating supraventricular tachycardia, a rhythm disturbance of the heart. It is also used for controlling heart rate response to other rhythm disturbances, specifically, atrial fibrillation and flutter. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cardizem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, and/or normalizing heart rhythm.
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.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre-excitation syndrome
- kidney or liver disease
- heart failure or have had a recent heart attack with lung congestion, heart block, low blood pressure, a very slow heart rate, or abnormal heart rhythm
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is usually taken before meals and at bedtime. 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.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
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 may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
- cimetidine or protease inhibitors
- Rifampin
- Amiodarone, cisapride, digoxin, erythromycin, protease inhibitors, quinidine, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline or general anesthetics
- Benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, macrolide immunomodulators
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cardizem 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.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
- hallucinations
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling of the feet or hands
- tender, bleeding, or swollen gums
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- constipation
- facial flushing
- dizziness
- headache
- weakness
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Cardizem may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cardizem with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Cardizem may cause 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.
Cardizem may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cardizem . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Cardizem before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
Lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use Cardizem. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Cardizem with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects. Cardizem should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cardizem while you are pregnant. Cardizem is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cardizem
Where should I keep this medicine?
Store at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.
COMPONENTS FOR HEALTHY DIET: FIBRE AND FISH OIL
Fibre
A low intake of dietary fibre correlates with a higher incidence of heart disease, cancer of the colon, breast cancer, diverticular disease, constipation and hemorrhoids. Every Australian eats 20-25 grams of fibre a day. The recommended daily intake is a minimum of 30 grams.
Home Remedies
Sources of fibre are wholegrain cereals, psyllium seeds, guar gum, sorghum, apple pectin, bran, raw salad, vegetables and pears. Unprocessed oat bran is much more palatable than unprocessed bran from wheat. Five dessertspoons of oat bran in the bottom of a breakfast plate of processed cereal is equivalent to the daily requirement. People with constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease can easily increase the dose to ten dessertspoons daily with no drop in palatability.
Over the counter preparations are effective although expensive. Preferred brands are Fybogel and Metamucil. The use of fibre supplements before meals produces an early feeling of satiety. Weight loss of a kilogram or two can be expected.
Fish Oil
Because Eskimos don't have heart attacks and have a high intake of fish in their diet, research workers conclude that fish oils prevent hardening of the arteries. Fish oils contain Omega 3 fatty acids which do improve the cholesterol profile and prevent blood clotting in cholesterol damaged arteries. Bad news for fish populations around the world which are under enough pressure, without finding themselves put through the ringer because humans won't reduce their animal fat intake. Take up exercise or give up cigarette smoking.
Home Remedies
Three fish meals a week provide sufficient Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce the odds of cholesterol clogging up the major arteries. Cold water fish are recommended. Local research shows that barramundi and other north Australian coastal species provide similar protection. Some people choose Maxeepa tablets, but they are expensive and the recommended intake is three grams a day.
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GENERAL HEALTH
- 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.
- Read the product information leaflet provided with the product before using it.
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