Diltiazem is used in the treatment of certain heart conditions such as irregular heartbeats. It may also be used to lower your blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• This medicine can cause the heart rate to be slower and should be used with caution with other medicines that slow the heart rate e.g. digoxin, beta blockers and amiodarone. If you are taking these medicines together, you should visit your doctor for regular check-ups.

Some side effects may include:

• Leg swelling
• Headache
• Constipation (difficulty in passing stools)
• Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help but if the problem continues, check with your doctor.
• Decreased heart rate

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

Very rarely, Diltiazem may cause liver problems. Stop this medication and see a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Liver injury - Dark brown urine, light coloured stools (pale grey/ clay coloured), nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes

Avoid taking grapefruit, or grapefruit juice as they may interact with your medication and increase the risk of side-effects.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.