Slozem XL (diltiazem XL) is a generic version of the better-known medication Cardizem. A calcium channel blocker, Slozem XL relaxes and widens blood vessels, improves blood and oxygen flow to the heart muscle, and reduces heart rate and each heartbeat's strength.

The medication is officially used to help manage:

• Mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic stable angina
• Angina due to coronary artery spasm

Off-label uses (which are legal provided a doctor is involved) include managing:

• Certain heart arrhythmias
• Cluster headaches
• Raynaud's disease/phenomenon
• Tardive dyskinesia

Slozem XL is not a cure for any condition; it helps patients manage the conditions, often improving quality of life, helping patients maintain independence, and even extending duration of life.

Other Formulations

The XL in this product indicates it's a sustained release formula. It comes in capsules, which must be swallowed whole, and is taken once every 24 hours (once per day).

Diltiazem is available in a number of other formulas, ranging from tablets taken three or four times per day to capsules taken twice per day. Some formulations can be split or dissolved in soft foods, though most can't.

Once-per-day administration has obvious convenience benefits, but many patients respond better to more frequent dosing. Note that different formulations are not necessarily interchangeable; a doctor should be consulted before switching between products.

Taking Slozem XL

Again this product comes in capsules, which must be swallowed whole. Destroying the integrity of the capsule will allow all of the medication to be released at once, ruining its XL properties and putting the patient at risk of overdose.

Capsules may be taken with or without food according to personal preference. Taking with a glass of fluid is recommended.

Treatment is typically:

• Patients are usually started on 240, taken once per day.
• Capsules should be taken at the same time each day.
• Results should be evaluated after 14 days; dosage may be increased or decreased depending on patient response and tolerance to side effects.
• Most patients find 240 mg to 360 mg effective.

Patients who experience serious or disruptive side effects at the starting dose of 240 mg may have dosage reduced. Those who have other medical conditions or take other medications that put patients at increased risk of side effects are typically started at lower doses, usually 120 mg.

If treatment stops abruptly the condition being treated may return with a vengeance, as well as other withdrawal effects. If the time comes to end treatment, speak with a doctor about a discontinuation plan.

Hypertension and angina patients are usually encouraged to address the underlying issue by making and maintaining lifestyle changes, including:

• Dietary changes
• Adopting an exercise regimen
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Some patients aren't able to make appropriate changes, and for others changes may not provide enough benefit to stop relying on medication. These patients will likely need to take Slozem XL or a similar product for the remainder of life. For the rest, making appropriate changes is strongly encouraged.

Regardless of what Slozem XL is used to treat, doctor involvement is important. Doctors can check the medication's effectiveness, make dose adjustments, and monitor for developing side effects.

Warnings Before Use

Slozem XL---like all calcium channel blockers---will lower blood pressure and slow heart rate, regardless of what it's taken to treat. Patients who have any medical condition or who take medications that reduce blood pressure and/or influence heart rate should use this product with caution. Elderly patients are also at increased risk of serious complications.

Medical conditions of concern include:

• Sick sinus syndrome
• Severe bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• Heart failure
• Left ventricular failure
• Atrioventricular block

Other medications of concern include:

• Digoxin
• Cimitidine
• Azole antifungals
• Macrolide antibiotics
• Benzodiapines
• Rifamycins
• St. John's wort
• Aprepitant
• Buspirone
• Ivabradine
• Cold or flu medications
• NSAIDs

The above conditions and medications do not rule out Slozem XL use, but dosage may need to adjusted and doctors will want to be vigilant in monitoring for developing side effects.

Most side effects associated with Slozem XL are mild and not cause for concern, including:

• Nausea
• Flushing
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache

The above usually stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment; speak with a Doctor if severe or persistant.

Slozem XL should be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding.