How To Use Diltiazem

Diltiazem comes in the form of a regular tablet, an extended-release tablet, and an extended-release capsule. The regular tablets are taken 3-4 times a day for angina, and the extended-release formulations are taken 1-2 times a day for high blood pressure or angina. 

Try to take your medicine at around the same time(s) every day. You can take this medicine with or without food. Make sure you swallow the extended-release tablet or capsule whole without biting, chewing, or cutting it. Do not switch from one formulation to another without checking with your doctor.

Read the prescription label and follow the instructions carefully. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without your doctor’s approval.

Your healthcare provider may start you on a lower dose of diltiazem and gradually increase the dose after 7-14 days. Follow the dosing instructions carefully.

Diltiazem can help control angina but will not stop an angina attack once it starts. Your doctor will prescribe other drugs for acute angina.

Diltiazem will control your blood pressure, but it will not cure the underlying condition. It can take up to two weeks to get the full benefits of this medicine. Monitor your blood pressure at home and bring a log of your readings to your appointments. Continue taking the medicine even if you are symptom-free. Do not stop taking diltiazem without talking to your healthcare provider. Doing so can result in severe hypertension (a dangerous increase in blood pressure).

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of diltiazem, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store diltiazem at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused diltiazem should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw diltiazem in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded diltiazem is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on diltiazem. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about diltiazem, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

Discounted prices for diltiazem
 start at $20.46.

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