Tiazac (Diltiazem ER)

Do’s

• Tiazac should be taken orally, with or without food, as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily. Swallow the capsules whole.
• If swallowing the capsule poses a challenge, you can carefully open it and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce just before consumption. Ensure to swallow the entire drug/food mixture without chewing it, followed by rinsing your mouth and ingesting the rinse liquid to confirm consumption of the medicine.
• Your healthcare provider may incrementally adjust your dosage based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and concurrent medications. Adhere to their instructions and disclose to them all products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Consistently use this medication to maximize its benefits. To aid recollection, take it at the same time each day, even if you feel well. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for individuals with high blood pressure to experience the full benefits of this drug.
• To prevent angina, this medication must be taken regularly. 
• Consult your healthcare provider for information on using alternative medications, such as nitroglycerin placed under the tongue, to alleviate an angina attack as directed
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition fails to improve or deteriorates, such as persistent or elevated blood pressure readings, or worsening chest pain.

Don’ts

• Avoid crushing or chewing the capsules, as this may result in the rapid release of the entire drug, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
• Refrain from preparing a supply of mixture in advance.
• Tiazac should not be utilized to address angina during its occurrence.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Flushing
• General feeling of being unwell
• Headache
• Nausea
• Red, irritated, or sore eyes
• Tiredness or weakness
• Vomiting 

Serious Side Effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in the face or throat
• Severe skin reaction, including fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, and a red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling
• Acute generalized exanthematous pustular dermatitis
• Desquamative erythema with or without fever
• Exfoliative dermatitis
• Facial edema
• Hyperhidrosis/sweating
• Hyperpigmentation
• Leukocytoclastic vasculitis
• Petechiae
• Photosensitivity (lichenoid keratosis)
• Pruritus
• Steven-Johnson's syndrome
• Allergic dermatitis
• Alopecia
• Angioneurotic edema
• Erythema multiforme
• Generalized dermatitis
• Musculocutaneous reactions
• Simple erythema
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis 

Not everyone will experience these side effects, and some may go away on their own over time. However, if you experience severe or bothersome side effects, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on managing them.

You should not use Tiazac if you have very low blood pressure, a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), or if you have recently had a heart attack and have a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line if you suspect an overdose. Overdose symptoms may include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, severe dizziness, or fainting.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort while using Tiazac.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, as Tiazac may cause dizziness. Additionally, avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Consult a healthcare provider before taking Tiazac if you are pregnant, nursing, or considering administering it to children or the elderly.

Exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider when using Tiazac concomitantly with other agents known to affect cardiac contractility and/or conduction, such as beta-blockers or digitalis, as there may be additive effects.

Discuss any existing medical conditions, medications, and potential risks with your healthcare provider before starting Tiazac. 

Always consult your healthcare provider for complete information about the warnings, precautions, and safe use of Tiazac based on your individual health needs.