Patient Leaflet Updated 13-Jul-2023 | Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited
Adizem-SR capsules
Adizem®-SR 90 mg, 120 mg and 180 mg prolonged-release capsules
Diltiazem hydrochloride
1. What Adizem-SR capsules are and what they are used for
2. What you need to know before you take Adizem-SR capsules
3. How to take Adizem-SR capsules
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Adizem-SR capsules
6. Contents of the pack and other information
These capsules have been prescribed for you to treat angina (chest pain caused by a reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle) or high blood pressure (hypertension). They contain the active ingredient diltiazem. Diltiazem belongs to a group of medicines called calcium antagonists. Calcium antagonists help more blood to reach the heart and reduce blood pressure. The other ingredients of Adizem-SR capsules are listed in section 6 of this leaflet.
Adizem-SR capsules are designed to work properly over 12 hours. If the capsules are crushed or chewed, the entire 12-hour dose may be absorbed rapidly into your body. This can be dangerous, causing serious problems such as an overdose.
Children should not take these capsules.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these capsules if you:
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. If you take Adizem-SR capsules with some other medicines, the effect of Adizem-SR capsules or the other medicine may be changed.
In particular, do not take this medicine and tell your doctor if you are taking:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
If you are having a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor that you are taking these capsules as some of the effects of the anaesthetic may be increased by these capsules.
Do not take Adizem-SR capsules at the same time as an alcoholic drink.
Do not take Adizem-SR capsules if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.
The capsules may cause a number of side effects such as dizziness and a general feeling of being unwell. These could affect your ability to drive (see section 4 for a full list of side effects) and are usually most noticeable when you start taking the capsules, or when changing to higher dose. If you are affected you should not drive or operate machinery.
These capsules contain sucrose which is a form of sugar. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking these capsules.
This medicine contains less than 1mmol sodium (23mg) per capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
Always take Adizem-SR capsules exactly as your doctor has told you. The label on your medicine will tell you how many capsules to take and how often.
If you are taking these capsules to treat angina the usual starting dose is one 90 mg capsule every 12 hours. If you are taking these capsules to lower your blood pressure then the usual dose is one 120 mg capsule every 12 hours. However, if you are elderly or have kidney or liver problems then you may need to start on a lower dose. Your doctor will decide how many capsules you should take.
Children should not take these capsules.
Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Swallow your capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsules.
Adizem-SR capsules are designed to work properly over 12 hours when swallowed whole. If a capsule is broken, crushed, dissolved or chewed, the entire 12-hour dose may be absorbed rapidly into your body. This can be dangerous, causing serious problems such as an overdose.
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.
Call your doctor or hospital immediately. People who have taken an overdose may become very unwell and the following effects may happen: feel faint, have a slow heart beat, decrease of kidney function and lose consciousness. They may need emergency treatment in hospital. When seeking medical attention make sure that you take this leaflet and any remaining capsules with you to show to the doctor.
If you remember within 4 hours of the time your capsule was due, take your capsule straight away. Take your next capsule at your normal time. If you are more than 4 hours late, please call your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule.
You should not stop taking these capsules unless your doctor tells you to. If you want to stop taking your capsules, discuss this with your doctor first.
If you have any further questions on the use of Adizem-SR capsules ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Adizem-SR capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Look out for the following severe reactions. They have occurred in a small number of people, although their exact frequency cannot be estimated:
Tell your doctor immediately if you get any of these.
Very common side effects (May affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Common side effects (May affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Uncommon side effects (May affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rare side effects (May affect up to 1 in 1000 people)
Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
You may see the remains of the capsules in your faeces. This should not affect how the capsules work.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use any capsules after the expiry date which is stated on the blister and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store your capsules above 25ºC.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
The active ingredient is diltiazem hydrochloride. Each capsule contains 90 mg, 120 mg or 180 mg of diltiazem hydrochloride.
The other ingredients are sucrose, maize starch, povidone, ethylcellulose, talc, Aquacoat ECD 30, dibutyl sebacate, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171).
The capsules also contain the following colourants:
120 mg - iron oxide (E172) and indigo carmine (E132)
180 mg - iron oxide (E172)
Adizem-SR capsules are marked with the strength (e.g. 90 mg, 120 mg etc.) and coloured as follows: 90 mg - white, 120 mg - white/brown, 180 mg - white/pale brown.
The capsules are packed in blister packs and then boxed in cardboard cartons. In each carton there are 8, 28, 30, 56 or 60* capsules.
(*Not all pack sizes may be marketed)
This leaflet is also available in large print, Braille or as an audio CD. To request a copy, please call the RNIB Medicine Information line (free of charge) on:
0800 198 5000
You will need to give details of the product name and reference number.
These are as follows:
Product name: Adizem-SR prolonged-release capsules
Reference number: 16950/0006
This leaflet was last revised in June 2023
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