PATIENT
INFORMATION LEAFLET
What
you should know about ADIZEM®-SR
capsules
Prolonged release Diltiazem Hydrochloride
Please
read this leaflet before you start taking your
capsules.
If you
have any questions or you are not sure about
anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep
this leaflet in a safe place - you may want to read
it again.
What is
in the capsules?
The capsules
contain the active ingredient diltiazem hydrochloride
(90 mg, 120 mg, or 180 mg).
The capsules
also contain the following inactive ingredients:
-
Sucrose
-
Povidone
- Talc
-
Sodium laurylsulphate
-
Dibutyl sebacate
-
Titanium dioxide (E171)
-
Maize starch
-
Ethyl cellulose
- Poly
(o-ethyl) cellulose
-
Cetyl alcohol
-
Gelatin
- Iron
oxide (E172)
The 120 mg
capsule also contains indigo carmine (E132).
In each box
there are 56 capsules.
Diltiazem
belongs to a group of medicines called calcium
antagonists. They help more blood to reach the heart.
They also reduce blood pressure.
What are
the capsules for?
The capsules
are used to treat angina and hypertension. If you would
like to know more about angina and hypertension, please
read the section at the end of this leaflet.
Who
can take the capsules?
Adults
can take the capsules. They are not recommended for
children.
Before
you take the capsules, please tell your doctor or
pharmacist, if:
-
you are pregnant or breast feeding,
-
you are a woman of child bearing age,
-
you are taking any other medicines for angina or
hypertension,
-
you are taking anti-arrhythmic drugs (drugs to
treat an irregular or rapid heart beat),
-
you are taking medicines for stomach ulcers,
-
you are receiving dantrolene, digoxin,
ciclosporin, carbamazepine or theophylline.
Also
tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
condition in the list below:
-
Slow heart beat
-
Heart problems, other than angina or
hypertension
-
Porphyria (a rare disease of blood pigments).
If you
are going to have an operation or a liver function
test, please tell the doctor that you are taking
these capsules.
Only
take the capsules if they have been prescribed for
you. Never give them to
others, even if their symptoms are the same as
yours.
How do I
take my capsules?
The label on
your medicine will tell you how many capsules to take
and how often. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Swallow your
capsules whole with water. Do not
take with an alcoholic drink and do
not crush or chew them.
The usual
starting dose is one 90 mg capsule taken every 12 hours
for angina or one 120 mg capsule taken every 12 hours
for hypertension. Your doctor may prescribe a different
dose to this. You may want to discuss this with your
doctor.
You should
take your capsules every 12 hours. For instance if you
take a capsule at 8 o’clock in the morning, you should
take your next capsule at 8 o’clock in the evening.
It is
important that you do not stop taking your medicine,
even if you feel better, without talking to your doctor
first.
What
should I do if I forget to take my capsules?
If you
forget to take your capsules, take your next dose as
soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for
your next dose. Then go on as before.
What
should I do if someone accidentally swallows my
capsules or I take too many?
Contact
your doctor or local hospital straight away.
Will I
have any problems?
Most people
will not have any problems when taking these capsules.
Problems
that do occur are usually mild and wear off after the
treatment is stopped. These problems include feeling
sick, tired or dizzy, having a headache, flushing, or
swollen legs. Rarely, patients may experience
constipation or diarrhoea, low blood pressure, heart
problems other than angina or hypertension, or
hepatitis.
In rare
cases, skin reactions may occur. These include
exfoliative dermatitis (flaking skin), angio-oedema
(swollen skin), erythema multiforme (red, swollen skin),
and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
Another rare reaction is gingival hyperplasia
(overgrowth of the gums).
If any of
these trouble you or you have any other problems, please
tell your doctor.
How
should I keep my capsules?
There is a
‘use-by’ date on the box. For example, EXP 8.2005 means
you should not take the capsules after the end of August
2005. After the ‘use-by’ date, take your capsules to a
pharmacy.
Do not keep
your capsules above 25°C (77°F). Keep your capsules in a
safe place where children cannot see or reach them.
What are
angina and hypertension?
Angina is
chest pain caused by a reduction of oxygen to the heart
muscle. It usually occurs, for example, during exercise
and at times of stress.
Hypertension
is also called high blood pressure.
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