Pronunciation: dil-TYE-a-zem
Generic Name: Diltiazem
Brand Name: Cardizem
Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets are used for:
Treating high blood pressure and chronic stable angina (chest pain). It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets are a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the heart rate, which lowers the workload of the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries, which increases blood flow to the heart.
Do NOT use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets
- you have certain heart problems (eg, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree heart block) and do not have a pacemaker
- you have very low blood pressure or you have fluid buildup in the lungs during or soon after a heart attack
- you are taking erythromycin
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have heart failure, a recent heart attack with lung congestion, heart block, a very slow heart rate, or other heart problems
- if you have low blood pressure or kidney or liver disease
- if you take other medicines for high blood pressure or heart conditions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, dronedarone), cimetidine, clonidine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, atazanavir, indinavir), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, desipramine) because they may increase the risk of Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets's side effects, such as heart rhythm problems
- Moricizine or rifamycins (eg, rifampin) because they may decrease Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets's effectiveness
- Benzodiazepines (eg, midazolam), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cisapride, colchicine, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), cyclosporine, digoxin, everolimus, fentanyl, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (eg, atorvastatin), hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lurasidone, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), macrolide immunomodulators (eg, tacrolimus), nifedipine, quinidine, ranolazine, theophylline, or vasopressin antagonists (eg, tolvaptan) because the risk of their side effects, some potentially life-threatening, may be increased by Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets:
Use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Taking Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets at the same time(s) each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or stop taking Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets without checking with your doctor.
- Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
- Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Lab tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands; dizziness; and slow heartbeat.
- Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets.
Possible side effects of Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; dizziness; facial flushing; headache; lightheadedness; tiredness; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; personality changes; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden weight gain; swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes); tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual or persistent tiredness or weakness; vision changes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Cardizem side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; difficulty breathing, especially when lying down; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; lightheadedness, especially when standing; loss of consciousness; nausea; nervousness; slurred speech; unusual weakness; very slow heart rate.
Proper storage of Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets:
Store Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cardizem Immediate-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Cardizem resources
- Cardizem Side Effects (in more detail)
- Cardizem Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Cardizem Drug Interactions
- Cardizem Support Group
- 6 Reviews for Cardizem - Add your own review/rating
Compare Cardizem with other medications
- Angina Pectoris Prophylaxis
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure
- Raynaud's Syndrome
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
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