What is Cardizem?
Cardizem treats hypertension in adults (high blood pressure). Cardizem can be taken alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. You may reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack by lowering your blood pressure. Cardizem can also be used to treat angina due to coronary spasm and chronic stability.
Cardizem is a member of a group of drugs called calcium-channel blocking agents. Diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels, allowing the heart to pump less. Diltiazem increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
Side effects of Cardizem
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Cardizem, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe skin reaction (fever or sore neck), or if you suffer from a severe reaction (burning eyes or skin pain, blistering or peeling skin, or a
Diltiazem can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain with a fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Heart problem: swelling, rapid weight increase, feeling of shortness of breath, or
- Liverdisorders: loss of appetite (upper right), stomach pain, fatigue, itching, and dark urine
Cardizem may cause the following side effects:
- Swelling;
- Infections and flu symptoms
- Trouble breathing
- Headache, dizziness, weakness;
- Slower heart rate;
- Nausea, upset stomach,
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for any reports related to side effects contact 1-800-FDA-1088 or submit them directly through FDA website.
Before you take this drug
Cardizem should not be used if:
- A serious heart condition, such as "sick-sinus syndrome" or an "AV block", (unless you already have a pacemaker);
- Low blood pressure
- If your heart is not pumping blood correctly,
- If you've recently suffered a heart attack and have fluid buildup in your lungs,
Cardizem may not work for you if:
- Heart failure;
- Certain heart rhythm disorders (e.g. Afib or Atrial Flutter with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome;
- A heart condition that makes you have a very rapid heartbeat;
- If you receive an intravenous beta-blocker, such as atenolol or metoprolol,
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- Heart failure or congestive heart disease
- Low blood pressure or slow heart rates.
- Liver disease
Unknown is whether diltiazem can harm a baby in utero. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or planning on becoming pregnant in any capacity. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a concern.
How to take Cardizem?
Cardizem should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read and follow all instructions included with your prescription. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. As per your doctor's prescription, take the medication exactly as instructed. If you change the brand, strength, or form of your medicine, then your dose requirements may be different.
Cardizem capsules can be crushed or chewed, but not crushed. Cardizem LA capsules and Cardizem CD tablets should not be chewed or crushed. You should check your blood pressure and liver function regularly.
Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication if you have high blood pressure. Often, high blood pressure has no symptoms. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Cardizem should be taken as soon as possible, but you may skip the missed dose when it's almost time to take your next dose. Do not take more than one dose at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include dizziness or fainting, as well as low blood pressure and a slow heartbeat.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol should not be consumed while taking extended-release capsules. Alcohol can increase the release rate of Cardizem CD-diltiazem. This may cause adverse effects. St. John's wort is a dangerous herb. John's wort.
You may feel dizzy if you get up too quickly from a seated or lying position. You should avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are sure how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Warnings
Cardizem should not be used if you suffer from a very low level of blood pressure or have a serious condition like "sick sinus" syndrome or "AV block", unless you are fitted with a pacemaker, or if your lungs have been clogged up with fluid after a recent heart attack. Tell your doctor before taking Cardizem if you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive cardiac failure.
Cardizem can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Do not stop using this medication before consulting your doctor. Your condition could worsen if you suddenly stop taking this medication.
Cardizem is only one part of a comprehensive treatment programme that may also include diet, exercise, and other medications. Your diet, medications and exercises should all be closely managed.
Even if you're feeling well, continue to take your medicine if you have high blood pressure. Often, high blood pressure has no symptoms. It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure (dizziness or fainting, or if your vision is blurred), contact your doctor immediately and stop using Cardizem.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications at the same time. Some drugs may alter the blood levels of other medications you are taking, potentially increasing side effects or making them less effective. Diltiazem can interact with many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking.
