Cardizem

The active ingredient in Cardizem is diltiazem hydrochloride, which is a calcium-channel blocker. Its mechanism of action involves affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart so it doesn't have to work as hard.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cardizem. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cardizem:

• If you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medication, your dosage requirements may also change.
• Cardizem tablets can be chewed, crushed, or swallowed whole. It is recommended that Cardizem CD capsules and Cardizem LA tablets be swallowed whole rather than chewed or crushed.
• Regular checks of your liver function and blood pressure may be necessary.
• Even if you feel well, continue taking this medication if you have high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent.
• Take Cardizem at the same times every day throughout the day for it to be most effective. Taking it before meals (such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and before bed is a smart strategy to help you remember to take it.

The most common side effects of Cardizem include:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Swelling in your legs and feet.
• Dizziness and tiredness.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cardizem. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Sudden weight gain, ankle or foot swelling (edema), abdominal pain, or shortness of breath unrelated to exercise are signs of worsening heart issues.
• Diltiazem may cause heart rhythm and heart problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat, a slow heart rate (bradycardia), and fainting.
• Severe liver (hepatic) issues include dark urine, pale stools, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Fever, sore throat, skin rash, hives, irritated eyes, and a red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling are signs of a serious skin reaction (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) or an allergic reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of diltiazem. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cardizem, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you have a serious heart condition like "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), very low blood pressure, a heart that cannot pump blood properly, or a recent heart attack with a buildup of fluid in your lungs, you should not use Cardizem. You should also avoid using it if you are allergic to diltiazem.
• If you have heart failure, certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), a heart condition that causes your heartbeat to be extremely fast, or you are taking an intravenous beta-blocker (like atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol), you might not be able to use Cardizem.
• Ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation are two examples of arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation may increase the risk of a stroke.
• To ensure that this medication is safe for you, let your doctor know if you have ever experienced liver disease, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, or congestive heart failure.
• Cardizem may affect how you think or act. If you drive or engage in any other activity that calls for alertness, exercise caution. Consult your doctor before ceasing to take this medication. Should you abruptly stop taking this medication, your condition might worsen.
• Cardizem might only be a component of a comprehensive treatment plan that also consists of other drugs, diet, and exercise. Pay close attention to your exercise, medication, and diet regimens.

-Even if you feel well, continue taking this medication if you are receiving treatment for high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure are frequently absent. For the rest of your life, you might need to take blood pressure medication. Nevertheless, if you experience low blood pressure symptoms.

• Cardizem tablets are chewable or crushable. However, be sure that you are taking Cardizem and not the extended-release form of the drug. You have to swallow the extended-release versions whole.

It may not be safe for you to take Cardizem if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you. Please inform your healthcare provider of this.

• Unless you have a ventricular pacemaker or sick sinus syndrome.
• AV block in the second or third degree (unless you have a ventricular pacemaker).
• Uncontrolled hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg).
• Congestion in the lungs and an active myocardial infarction.

Cardizem and other calcium channel blockers (CCBs) typically begin to act a few hours after the initial dosage. However, it may take up to two or four weeks before the full effects of the medication are felt. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that they can modify your Cardizem dosage. You must take Cardizem as directed by your doctor regularly to get its full benefits.

When Cardizem is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Amiodarone.
• Digoxin.
• Atazanavir.
• Cimetidine.
• Quinidine.
• St. John's wort.
• Rifampin.
• Buspirone.
• Cyclosporine.
• Sirolimus.
• Clonidine.
• Ivabradine.
• Lovastatin.
• Simvastatin.
• Midazolam.
• Triazolam.
• Carbamazepine.

The usual starting dose of Cardizem is 30 mg taken orally four times a day, before meals and before bed. Your doctor may gradually increase your dosage if necessary. Usually taken in three to four equal doses throughout the day, the daily dosage falls between 180 and 360 mg.

If you miss a dose of Cardizem, take it as soon as you remember, but if your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store Cardizem in a dry place at room temperature and out of reach of children.

The manufacturer of Cardizem is Bausch Health Companies Inc.

Yes, there are several generic versions of Cardizem available at a lower cost.

Consult your doctor before discontinuing this medication. Should you abruptly stop taking this medication, your condition might worsen.

It is not typically recommended to use Cardizem while pregnant. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Based on limited data, amounts of diltiazem passed into breast milk are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in your breastfed infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.