SIDE EFFECTS: Itching or burning at the injection site, drowsiness, flushing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping and headache may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: swelling, black stool, ringing in the ears, tremor, slow/irregular heartbeat, rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.