What is this medication?

Diltiazem(dil TYE a zem) treats a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). It works by decreasing your heart rate, which decreases the amount of work your heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cardizem

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Low blood pressure
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Hawthorn
  • Pimozide
  • Ranolazine
  • Red yeast rice

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Carbamazepine
  • Cimetidine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Digoxin
  • Local anesthetics or general anesthetics
  • Medications for high blood pressure or heart problems

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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 should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Facial flushing, redness
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.