This article describes diltiazem extended-release (ER)* oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for diltiazem. If you want to know more about diltiazem ER oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Diltiazem ER oral capsule is a generic version of several brand-name drugs. These are Cardizem CD, Cartia XT, Taztia XT, and Tiazac. Diltiazem also comes in an oral tablet and a liquid solution for injection by a healthcare professional. But those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about them, talk with your doctor.
* Extended-release (ER) dosage medications release their contents into your body slowly over some time.
Form and strengths of diltiazem
Diltiazem extended-release (ER)* oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: capsule that you swallow
- Strengths: 60 milligrams (mg), 90 mg, 120 mg,180 mg,240 mg, 300 mg, 360 mg, 420 mg
* Extended-release (ER) dosage medications release their contents into your body slowly over some time.
Dosage of diltiazem
This article describes the recommended dosages for diltiazem extended-release (ER) oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of diltiazem in adults
The usual dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule in adults depends on the severity of your condition. Your doctor will typically start you on a low dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule. They’ll monitor you closely if they make any dosage adjustments. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for high blood pressure
Once you start diltiazem, it can take up to 14 days for changes in your blood pressure to occur. So your doctor will make dosage adjustments slowly and monitor your blood pressure.
The usual dosages prescribed for high blood pressure are as follows. The dosages are in milligrams (mg).
- Starting dosage: 180–240 mg once per day
- Maintenance dosage range:* 240–360 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: The maximum dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule depends on various factors. These include how you respond to treatment and the severity of your condition. Other factors include whether you’re taking diltiazem alone or with other medications for your condition. Your doctor may increase your dose slowly up to 480 mg once per day. In studies of diltiazem, dosages as high as 540 mg once per day have been used. Your doctor will discuss the best dosage for you.
* The maintenance dosage is what you’ll take for the remainder of treatment after your starting dosage.
Dosage for chest pain
The usual dosages prescribed for chest pain (also called angina) are as follows. The dosages are in mg.
When making any dosage adjustments, your doctor will increase your dosage slowly over 7–14 days.
- Starting dosage: 120 mg or 180 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: The maximum dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsules depends on how you respond to the medication. Your doctor may increase your dose to up to 480 mg once per day. In studies of diltiazem, dosages as high as 540 mg once per day have been used. Your doctor will discuss the best dosage for you.
Dosage adjustments for diltiazem
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- other health conditions you may have
- your age
- other medications you may be taking
- how you respond to the medication
Missed dose of diltiazem
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of diltiazem extended-release (ER) oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of diltiazem ER oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about diltiazem extended-release oral capsule and its dosage.
Can diltiazem be taken for AFib? If so, what’s the dosage?
Diltiazem extended-release (ER) oral capsule isn’t approved for atrial fibrillation (AFib). But some doctors may prescribe it off-label. This means it’s prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent. Diltiazem ER oral capsule is approved to treat only high blood pressure and chest pain (also called angina).
AFib causes an irregular heartbeat and may increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker medication. According to the American Heart Association, it may be useful in AFib to slow heart rate and relax heart muscle contractions. Studies of diltiazem for treating AFib have shown some effectiveness.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about treatment options for AFib.
Does diltiazem have a twice-daily dosage?
No, diltiazem typically isn’t taken twice daily. Diltiazem is available in different oral dosage forms. Those include immediate-release (IR) tablets that you take three or four times per day for chest pain (also called angina). IR medications release their contents into your body right away after you take a dose. Because of this, you’ll take them more often throughout the day.
Diltiazem also comes as extended-release (ER) tablets and capsules to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. These dosage forms of diltiazem are typically taken just once daily. This is because ER medications release their contents into your body slowly over some time.
If you have questions about your diltiazem dose and how often to take it, talk with your doctor. You should take diltiazem exactly as your doctor prescribes.
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Get free cardIs diltiazem taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe diltiazem extended-release (ER) oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take diltiazem ER oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How diltiazem is taken
You’ll swallow diltiazem extended-release (ER) oral capsule once per day. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Do not cut, crush, or chew the ER capsules. If you do, it can affect how the medication works in your body. If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Diltiazem coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for diltiazem when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of diltiazem
It’s important that you do not take more diltiazem extended-release oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of diltiazem overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- very low blood pressure
- very slow heart rate
- heart failure
What to do if you take too much diltiazem
If you think you’ve taken too much diltiazem, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for diltiazem extended-release (ER) oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take diltiazem ER oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will I need a new prescription if my diltiazem ER oral capsule dosage is changed?
- Would I need a dosage adjustment if I’m taking other blood pressure medications with diltiazem ER oral capsule?
- How does the dosage of diltiazem ER oral capsule compare with dosage of the immediate-release tablet form of the medication?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.