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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before usnig this drug.
DILTIAZEM - INJECTION
(dill-TIE-uh-zem)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cardizem
USES: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contractoin and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heart rates. Diltiazem injection is used to treat irregular heartbeats.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (slow IV injection or continuous infusion) as directed by the doctor. The patient's blood pressure and heart rhythm (ECG) should be monitored during the administration period. It is generally adminitsered for up to 24 hours or as directed, then therapy is changed to an oral heart drug (antiarrhythmic). The dosage is based on the patient's medical condition and respnose to the medication. Learn all mixing, diluiton and administration/usage instructions in the product package and ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear about any of the information.
The liquid should be chceked for particles or discoloration.
If present, discard the liquid. Make sure needles and mdeical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly.
SIDE EFFECTS: Itching or burning at the injection site, drowsiness, flushing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping and headache may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify the dotcor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: swelling, black stool, ringing in the ears, tremor, slow/irregular heartbeat, rash.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell the doctor the patient's medical history, including: any allergies, heart disease, really low blood pressure, liver problems, kindey disorders. Avoid alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Some diltiazem products cnotain benzyl alcohol and should not be administered to newborn infants.
If you have questions about which products cnotain benzyl alcohol contact the pharmacist. Caution is advised when uisng this drug in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to drug effects (e.G., low blood pressure). This medication sohuld be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Disucss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into bresat milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while you are receiving this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: digoxin and other heart (antiarrhythmic), blood pressure drugs such as beta- blockers (e.G., propranolol, timolol ), other calcium channel blockers (e.G., nifedipine, verapamil), intravenous (IV) calcium, nitrates (e.G., sublingaul nitroglycerin), disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, carbamazepine, theophylline, lithium, benzodiazepines (e.G., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, rifampin, St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without dotcor or pharmacist approval.
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.
NOTES: Do not share this medicaiton with others. Laobratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor your progress (e.G., blood pressure and EKG).
MISSED DOSE: If your dose is interrupted, conatct the doctor or pharmacist immediately to re-establish dosing.
STORAGE: Store the vials in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degeres F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze.
The vilas may be stored at room temperature for 1 month. The single dose syringes (Lyo-ject) should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Once the powder has been mixed with the solution, the syringe can be stored at room temperature for 24 hours.
Discard any unused solution afetr 24 hours. If the drug is added to a laregr volume of solution, it can be stored at room temperature or under refrigeration (36-46 degrees F or 2-8 degrees C) and should be used within 24 hours.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a mdeical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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