Dilacor XR (Diltiazem Hydrochloride Capsule, Extended Release) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Dilacor XR

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What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

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Dilacor XR

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DILACOR XR
(diltiazem hydrochloride) Capsule, Extended Release

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Dilacor XR® (diltiazem hydrochloride) is a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium antagonist). Chemically, diltiazem hydrochloride is 1,5-Benzothiazepin-4(5H)one, 3-(acetyloxy)-5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, monohydrochloride, (+)-cis-. Its molecular formula is C₂₂H₂₆N₂O₄S•HCl and its molecular weight is 450.98. Its structural formula is as follows:

DILACOR XR (diltiazem hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, methanol, and chloroform. Dilacor XR complies with USP Drug Release Test #2.

Dilacor XR capsules contain multiple units of diltiazem HCl extended-release 60 mg, resulting in 120 mg, 180 mg, or 240 mg dosage strengths allowing for the controlled release of diltiazem HCl over a 24-hour period.

Inactive Ingredients: Dilacor XR capsules also contain mannitol, ethyl cellulose, hypromellose, hydrogenated castor oil, ferric oxides, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, gelatin, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, D&C Red No. 28, and titanium dioxide. The 120 mg dosage form contains pregelatinized starch. For oral administration.

What are the possible side effects of diltiazem?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or slow heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
nausea, stomach pain, low...

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What are the precautions when taking diltiazem hydrochloride capsule, extended release (Dilacor XR)?

Before taking phenytoin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anti-seizure medications (e.g., ethotoin, phenobarbital, ethosuximide, trimethadione); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcohol use, certain blood conditions (porphyria), diabetes, liver disease, lupus, folate or vitamin B-12 deficiency (megaloblastic anemia).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 7/8/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.