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Drug Uses
Cardizem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure.
Other uses
This medication may also be used to treat irregular heartbeats.
How Taken
The capsule(s) may be taken without regard to meals once daily in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Possible Side Effects
This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation, or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome.
Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties; swelling of the hands or feet; an irregular heartbeat.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, any allergies. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. If there is no alternative to using this drug you should discontinue 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
If you miss a dose, take 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-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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