Tiazac affects both the heart and blood vessels. Because of this, it may not be suitable for everyone and can interact with several medications.
Before taking Tiazac, tell your healthcare provider about your heart, liver, or kidney conditions and provide a complete list of all medications and supplements you use.
Serious Allergic Reaction
Tiazac can rarely cause a serious allergic reaction.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
- Rash or widespread itching
Very Low Blood Pressure or Fainting
Tiazac can lower blood pressure.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe dizziness, fainting, confusion, or unusual weakness.
Heart Conditions
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of heart failure, a slow heart rate, heart rhythm problems, or other heart conditions before starting Tiazac.
Because diltiazem can slow the heart rate and affect electrical conduction through the heart, some patients may require closer monitoring.
Do Not Stop Tiazac Suddenly
Do not stop taking Tiazac without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Suddenly stopping treatment may cause your blood pressure or angina symptoms to worsen.
Your provider can tell you how to safely change or discontinue treatment if necessary.
Liver Problems
Tiazac is processed by the liver.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease or a history of abnormal liver tests.
Your provider may monitor your liver function during treatment, especially if you have existing liver problems or use other medications that can affect the liver.
Kidney Disease
Use Tiazac carefully if you have kidney disease.
Although diltiazem is mainly processed by the liver, kidney problems and other medical conditions may affect how your healthcare provider monitors your treatment.
Low Blood Pressure
Diltiazem can lower blood pressure, sometimes more than intended.
Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood pressure checks while you are taking Tiazac.
Contact your provider if you repeatedly experience unusually low blood pressure readings, dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
Tiazac can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when you first start treatment or after your dose is increased.
Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing activities that require full alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting.
Drug Interactions
Tiazac can interact with several medications.
These may include:
- Other heart or blood pressure medications
- Certain blood thinners
- Some antibiotics
- Certain cholesterol-lowering medications
- Other medicines that slow the heart rate
Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Do not start or stop another medication without checking for possible interactions.
Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may affect how some medications are processed in the body.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether you should limit or avoid grapefruit products while taking Tiazac.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
Your provider will determine whether the expected benefits of Tiazac outweigh any potential risks.
Breastfeeding
Diltiazem can pass into breast milk.
Talk to your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking Tiazac so they can help determine the safest treatment and feeding plan.
Constipation
Constipation can occur while taking diltiazem.
Mild constipation may improve with dietary fibre, regular physical activity, and adequate fluid intake when appropriate for your medical condition.
If you have heart failure, kidney disease, or have been advised to limit fluids, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations rather than increasing fluid intake on your own.
Contact your healthcare provider if constipation becomes severe or persistent.
Regular Monitoring
Depending on your health and dose, your healthcare provider may monitor your:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Heart rhythm
- Liver function
- Response to angina treatment
- Medication side effects
Regular monitoring helps make sure Tiazac is working effectively without lowering your blood pressure or heart rate too much.
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