Drug Uses

Cardizem belongs to a class of medicines called calcium channel blockers. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By the means of blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Diltiazem is used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain), hypertension ( high blood pressure) and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Directions

The medication comes in capsules, which may be taken with or without meal. Take Cardizem once a day in the morning. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule. Do not take breaks in taking the drug or stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's permission, either. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Possible Side Effects

During the first few days of treatment with Cardizem you may feel dizzy and light-headed. Therefore, avoid activities requiring alertness. In order to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness, get up slowly when you sit or lie down for a while. You may also experience headache, bloating, flushing, heartburn, muscle cramps, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation, or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome.

Inform your provider if you develop: breathing difficulties; an irregular heartbeat, swelling of the hands or feet. Contact your doctor or pharmacist in case you notice other effects not listed above.

Precautions

Inform your doctor beforehand if you have or ever had any heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, any allergies. Limit alcohol you take while having treatment with Cardizem. Do not take this medication, if you are pregnant, unless there is a strong need to do so. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It has been proved that Cardizem is excreted into breast milk. If you have to take this drug anyway, you should stop breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets.