Tiazac (Diltiazem ER)

What is Tiazac?

Tiazac (diltiazem) is a calcium ion cellular influx inhibitor and belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers.

What is Tiazac used for?

Tiazac is indicated for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure further helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It is also used to prevent and treat angina pain and certain heart rhythm disorders.

How does Tiazac work?

Tiazac works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart in order to allow the blood to flow easily.

How to use Tiazac

Take Tiazac the way it was prescribed by the doctor. Do not consume it for more than the recommended duration or quantity.

Consume Tiazac with a full glass of water, at the same time every day. The medicine can be taken with or without food.

If you cannot swallow the medicine, sprinkle the contents on spoonful of apple sauce and swallow it immediately. Do not chew. After the consumption, rinse your mouth with water and drink the same to let all the medicine enter your body.

Tiazac warnings and precautions

Do not take Tiazac if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have any other allergies. Do not use it if you have certain kinds of heart rhythm problems like sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular blockage.

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney diseases.

Check your sugar levels each day if you are a diabetic and consult with your doctor about your condition.

Abstain from smoking and drinking as far as possible while you are under this medication. Do not undertake any task that requires attention or alertness after consuming this medicine.

Pregnant women should take Tiazac only if it is an emergency. Tiazac is known to pass through breast milk and cause undesirable complications in nursing infants.

What do I do if I have missed a Tiazac dose?

If you have missed a Tiazac dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Tiazac overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Tiazac, consult your doctor.

Tiazac interactions

Some medicines might interact when used in tandem with Tiazac. These include, cough and cold medicines, diet aids, ibuprofen, digitalis, guanethidine, rifampin, disopyramide, insulin  and other oral diabetes medications; beta-blockers such as atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol; medicines for asthma such as pirbuterol, metaproterenol, terbutaline albuterol and bitolterol; HIV medicines like ritonavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, amprenavir, indinavir, fosamprenavir, delavidine, etc.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines that have been prescribed for your health, before using Tiazac. Also, do not start taking any new medicine on your own.

Tiazac side effects

Fatigue, slow heartbeat, light headedness and dizziness are some of the most common Tiazac side effects. If any of these persist, contact your doctor right away.

Inform your doctor if any of the unlikely, but serious, side effects from Tiazac occur. These include very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, breathing trouble, reddening skin rash, confusion, mood swings, depression, swelling in ankles and feet, severe tiredness, shortness of breath, unexplained and sudden weight gain.

Seek immediate medical help if you notice rash, itching and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. These side effects of Tiazac must never be ignored.