What is Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads

• Take this drug as instructed. The dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Doses can be taken with or without food.

• Take only one capsule each day.

• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.

• Store diltiazem ER capsules in a closed, light-resistant container at room temperature. Protect the medicine from excessive humidity.

What to do if you miss a dose of Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads

• Ask the prescriber how to handle a missed dose.

• Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have:

  • Known allergies to diltiazem

  • A heart rhythm problem called sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker

  • Heart block without a pacemaker

  • Low blood pressure

• Diltiazem is contraindicated in people who are having a heart attack with lung congestion.

Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads warnings

• Tell any healthcare provider or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Regular doctor’s visits and lab tests are needed to monitor therapy. Keep all appointments.

• Before starting diltiazem ER treatment, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • Heart problems

  • Heart failure

  • Liver problems

  • Kidney problems

• Diltiazem ER may cause serious problems including: 

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)

  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)

  • Heart rhythm changes

  • Heart attack

  • Worsening of heart failure

  • Peripheral edema

  • Liver damage

  • Severe skin reactions

• Diltiazem can cause blood pressure to get dangerously low. This is more likely at the start of therapy or in dehydrated patients. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

• Do not stop taking diltiazem ER until a doctor asks you to.

Diltiazem Hcl Er Coated Beads interactions

• Diltiazem should never be taken with:

  • Cisapride

  • Flibanserin

  • Lomitapide

  • Lonafarnib

  • Pimozide

• To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about other drugs regularly used, particularly:

  • Other blood pressure drugs, especially beta blockers

  • Other drugs that treat heart rhythms or heartbeats, especially quinidine or digoxin

  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Barbiturates

  • Enlarged prostate medications called alpha blockers 

  • Cancer medications

  • Buspirone, carbamazepine, cimetidine, clarithromycin, clonidine, cyclosporine, ivabradine, lurasidone, rifampin

• Tell other healthcare providers about diltiazem treatment before they prescribe new medications.

  • Tell the physician, surgeon, or healthcare team about diltiazem before any surgery or medical procedure that requires general anesthetics or ketamine. Diltiazem may need to be discontinued or the dose reduced a few days before the procedure.

• Avoid drinking alcohol or grapefruit juice when taking diltiazem.

• Avoid red yeast rice when taking diltiazem.

Find more information about diltiazem drug interactions to avoid here.