PRECAUTIONS: Tell the doctor the patient's medical history, including: any allergies, heart disease, very low blood pressure, liver problems, kidney disorders. Avoid alcohol intake, as it may intensify drug side effects. Some diltiazem products contain benzyl alcohol and should not be administered to newborn infants. If you have questions about which products contain benzyl alcohol contact the pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, as they may be more sensitive to drug effects (e.g., low blood pressure). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while you are receiving this medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: digoxin and other heart (antiarrhythmic), blood pressure drugs such as beta- blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol ), other calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, verapamil), intravenous (IV) calcium, nitrates (e.g., sublingual nitroglycerin), disopyramide, flecainide, quinidine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, carbamazepine, theophylline, lithium, benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam), buspirone, lovastatin, rifampin, St John's wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.