Indications
Cardizem, also known by its generic name diltiazem, is a medication commonly prescribed to treat a number of cardiovascular conditions. It belongs to the group of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by blocking certain channels in the heart muscle and blood vessels.
Cardizem (Diltiazem) is a medication prescribed to treat various conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is used to treat hypertension, angina, and certain types of arrhythmias. Cardizem works by relaxing muscles in the walls of the arteries, allowing for increased blood flow in the body. It also works by decreasing heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart.
Uses and Dosage
Cardizem comes in the form of tablets taken three or four times a day, as prescribed by your doctor. You must swallow the tablets with a glass of water without chewing them. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to ensure that you are taking the correct dose and frequency of tablets.
A starting dose of 30 mg taken four times daily, before meals and at bedtime, is often recommended. This dose should then be gradually increased in 1-to-2-day intervals until an optimum response is achieved, with the average optimum dosage range being 180 to 360 mg/day.
Due to the lack of data regarding dosage requirements in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function, need caution when prescribing medication to such patients.
Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Diltiazem Including:
- Chest pain
- Feeling short of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Rapid weight gain
- Slow heartbeats
- Swelling
Common Side Effects of Cardizem Include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rash
- Swelling
- Weakness
Form and Strength
Cardizem (Diltiazem) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Diltiazem: Tablet
- 30 mg
- 60 mg
Caution
- Avoid taking Cardizem tablets or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI if you have ever had an allergic reaction to them.
- If you are taking Cardizem to treat angina, do not abruptly stop taking the medicine as this can lead to severe chest pain for up to two days. Talk to your doctor before stopping any medication, including Cardizem, to ensure that you are doing so safely.
- Do not use Cardizem during pregnancy as there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor before taking Cardizem to ensure that you are doing so safely.
- Keep Cardizem in a cool dry place, preferably below 25°C (77°F). Make sure to keep it away from excessive humidity and direct sunlight.
- When taking Cardizem, be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Cardizem can cause dizziness and fainting in some patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What to avoid when taking diltiazem?
You may want to limit alcohol intake and avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with diltiazem.
How quickly does diltiazem lower blood pressure?
The peak blood pressure-reducing and blood vessel-widening effects occur three to six hours after oral administration of diltiazem extended-release capsules, and at least 50% of the effect is still present after 24 hours.
How long does it take Cardizem to work?
For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. This medication must be taken regularly to prevent angina.
How many times a day can you take Cardizem?
Cardizem tablets can be taken three or four times a day.
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