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| Drug Class: What is Cardizem and why is it prescribed? |
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| Cardizem and Cardizem CD (a controlled release form of diltiazem) are used in the treatment of angina pectoris (chest pain usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries) and chronic stable angina (caused by exertion). Cardizem CD is also used to treat high blood pressure. Another controlled release form, Cardizem SR, is used only in the treatment of high blood pressure. Cardizem, a calcium channel blocker, dilates blood vessels and slows the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Cardizem for loss of circulation in the fingers |
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| Most important fact about this drug |
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| If you are taking Cardizem for high blood pressure, remember that it does not cure the problem; it merely controls it. You may need to take a blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
If you are taking Cardizem for angina, do not stop suddenly. This can lead to an increase in your attacks. |
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| Drug Mechanism: How does it work? |
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| Diltiazem belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells lining the coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. Since calcium is important in muscle contraction, blocking calcium transport relaxes artery muscles and dilates coronary arteries and other arteries of the body. By relaxing coronary arteries, diltiazem is useful in treating and preventing chest pain (angina) resulting from coronary artery spasm. Relaxing the muscles lining the arteries of the rest of the body lowers blood pressure, |
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| Dosage: How should you take this medication? |
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| Cardizem should be taken before meals and at bedtime. Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, and Dilacor XR should be swallowed whole; do not chew, crush, or divide. Tiazac capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce immediately, without chewing, and wash it down with a glass of cool water.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.
If you miss a dose:
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If its almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back |
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| Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication |
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| If Cardizem is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Cardizem with the following:
Beta-blockers (heart and blood pressure drugs such as Tenormin and Inderal),
Carbamazepine (Tegretol),
Cimetidine (Tagamet),
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral),
Digoxin (Lanoxin),
Lovastatin (Mevacor),
Midazolam (Versed),
Rifampin (Rifadin),
Triazolam (Halcion).
The effects of Cardizem during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to |
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| Cardizem side effects |
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| Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cardizem.
More common side effects may include:
Abnormally slow heartbeat (more common with Cardizem SR and Cardizem CD), dizziness, fluid retention, flushing (more common with Cardizem SR and Cardizem CD), headache, nausea, rash, weakness.
Less common or rare side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, allergic reaction, altered way of walking, amnesia, anemia, angina (severe chest pain), blood disorders, |
Drug Class: What is Cardizem and why is it prescribed?
