Tiamate

Tiamate Ingredients: Diltiazem ER
Representative Names: Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cardizem SR, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Taztia XT, Tiamate, Tiazac
Generic Available ? A generic alternative may be available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Who is Tiamate for ?

Diltiazem ER is used to treat high blood pressure. If taken regularly, diltiazem controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Diltiazem ER also is used to treat Raynaud's syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

How does it work ?

Diltiazem ER is a calcium channel blocker and works to lower blood pressure by interfering with the normal role of calcium in the heart and blood vessels. By blocking calcium's entry into the heart muscle and blood vessels, diltiazem ER causes blood vessels to relax and dilate and contraction of the heart to slow, and thus, blood pressure is lowered. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart to control chest pain (angina).

When should I be careful taking Tiamate ?

Before taking diltiazem,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diltiazem or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), and diuretics ("water pills"); carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); fentanyl (Duragesic); medications to treat depression; medications to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); theophylline; and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking diltiazem, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking diltiazem.

Side Effects

Although side effects from diltiazem are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness or lightheadedness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
headache
excessive tiredness
slower heartbeat
upset stomach
loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
stomach pain
dry mouth
difficulty sleeping

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
fever
increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)