TIAZAC

Drug Name: TIAZAC

TIAZAC DESCRIPTION:
DILTIAZEM CAPSULE SUSTAINED ACTION - ORAL (dill-TIE-uh-zem)

COMMON TIAZAC BRAND NAME(S):
Tiazac

TIAZAC SIDE EFFECTS:
TIAZAC may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, swelling of the hands or feet, an irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TIAZAC:
TIAZAC: The capsule(s) may be taken without regard to meals once daily in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew the capsule. However, if you have difficulty swallowing, open the capsule, sprinkle the entire contents on a spoonful of cool applesauce, and take at once. Do not chew the mixture. Follow this with a cool glass of water. Do not stop taking TIAZAC without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced.

TIAZAC USES:
TIAZAC is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels. Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina).

TIAZAC PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking TIAZAC, tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, liver problems, lung diseases, allergies. Limit intake of alcohol while taking TIAZAC. TIAZAC should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. If there is no alternative to using TIAZAC you should discontinue breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

TIAZAC DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: cyclosporine, flecainide, beta-blockers (including eye drops), digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TIAZAC OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.

MISSED TIAZAC DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

TIAZAC STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.