Download Patient Teaching--diltiazem - McGraw

PATIENT’S NAME:
MEDICATION: diltiazem hydrochloride (Brand names are Apo-Diltiaz, Apo-Diltiazem, Cardizem,
Cartia XT, Dilacor-XR, Diltia XT, Gen-Diltiazem, Novo-Diltiazem, Nu-Diltiaz, Syn-Diltiazem, and
Tiazac.)
WHAT IT'S USED FOR: Diltiazem is used to lower blood pressure and to treat a type of chest
pain called angina.
HOW TO TAKE IT
§ Take drug with or without meals.
§ Swallow extended-release capsule whole. Don't crush or break them.
§ If you can’t swallow extended-release capsule whole, carefully open it, sprinkle contents onto
cool applesauce, and immediately swallow contents with full glass of water without chewing.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS!
§ Notify prescriber immediately if chest pain worsens or if you develop rash.
§ Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you know how drug affects your
concentration, balance, and alertness.
§ Move slowly when sitting up or standing, to avoid dizziness or light-headedness. Dangle your
legs briefly before getting out of bed.
§ Tell your prescriber if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS
This drug may cause headache, fainting, abnormal dreams, hallucinations, memory loss,
depression, poor coordination, sleepiness, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, numbness and
tingling, personality changes, tremors, weakness, chest pain, rapid or irregular pulse, heart
failure, low blood pressure, palpitations, vision problems, eye irritation, ringing in ears, nosebleed,
stuffy or runny nose, poor appetite, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, thirst, dry mouth,
bad taste in mouth, frequent urination (especially at night), impotence, enlarged breasts, muscle
cramps, joint pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, increased skin sensitivity to sun or
heat lamps, stiff neck, swelling, weight gain, and allergic reactions (including itching and possible
rash). Notify your prescriber of serious or bothersome symptoms.
INTERACTIONS
§ Diltiazem may interact with carbamazepine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, midazolam, rifampin,
some anesthetics, triazolam, and drugs called beta blockers (such as propranolol). Tell all
prescribers you're taking it.
§ Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
STORAGE
§ Store drug at 77o C (25 o F), away from moisture. Don’t store in bathroom.
ADDITIONAL POINTS:
Your initials: ______________
Date: ______________
nursesdrughandbook.com/Patient Teaching Aid
© 2004 Nursing Spectrum. All rights reserved.
WARNING: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided on the nursesdrughandbook.com website is accurate, up-to-date, and complete; however,
no guarantee is made to that effect and nursesdrughandbook.com is not responsible for any errors or omissions or from any consequence from your use of such information.