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Cardizem

Brand Names

; Cardizem® ; Cardizem® CD ; Cardizem® SR ; Cartia® XT ; Dilacor XR® ; Diltia XT® ; Tiamate® ; Tiazac®

Foreign Brand Names

; Angiotrofin A.P.® (Mexico) ; Angiotrofin® (Mexico) ; Angiotrofin® Retard (Mexico) ; Apo-Diltiaz® (Canada) ; Novo-Diltazem (Canada) ; Nu-Diltiaz (Canada) ; Presoken (Mexico) ; Presoquim (Mexico) ; Syn-Diltiazem® (Canada) ; Tilazem® (Mexico)

Therapeutic Categories

Calcium Channel Blocker

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to diltiazem or any other part of the medicine.
• If you have any of the following conditions: Problem with the electrical system of the heart unless a pacemaker has fixed it, very low blood pressure, recent heart attack, fluid in the lungs.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and/or chest pain from the heart. This is called angina.
• It is also used to prevent myocardial infarction (MI) after non-Q-wave MI. Other uses include treatment of involuntary body movements and Raynaud's syndrome.

How does it work?

• Diltiazem blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause relaxation. This results in a lowering of blood pressure and an increased blood flow to the heart, resulting in less chest pain.

How is it best taken?

• Take before meals.
• Swallow sustained-release forms (SR, CD, XR, Tiazac™, and others) whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Tiazac™ Extended Release capsules may be opened and the content sprinkled over applesauce. Do not chew the applesauce and follow with a glass of cool water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• There should be an interval of 12-24 hours between doses for the sustained-release forms.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
• Tell healthcare provider if you have ever had heart failure or fluid in the lungs.
• Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase blood pressure.
• Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are taking carbamazepine. This medicine can cause carbamazepine toxicity.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Nausea. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program, if you are taking for high blood pressure, as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• Severe headache.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).