Low Blood Pressure
Cardizem SR can lower your blood pressure.
This may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, or fainting.
Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position, and tell your healthcare provider if these symptoms are severe or happen often.
Heart Problems
Cardizem SR can slow the heart rate and affect the electrical signals that control the heartbeat.
It may also worsen heart failure in some people.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have heart failure, a slow heartbeat, heart block, or another heart rhythm problem.
Seek medical attention if you develop fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or an unusually slow heartbeat.
Liver Problems
Diltiazem is mainly processed by the liver.
If you have liver disease, your healthcare provider may monitor you more closely or adjust your dose.
Rarely, diltiazem can cause liver injury. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent abdominal pain.
Kidney Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease.
Kidney problems do not usually require a major dose adjustment by themselves, but your overall health and response to treatment may need closer monitoring.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Cardizem SR should be used during pregnancy only when the expected benefit is greater than the possible risk.
Breastfeeding
Diltiazem passes into breast milk.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your healthcare provider about whether Cardizem SR is appropriate for you.
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Cardizem SR if you are allergic to diltiazem or any ingredient in the medication.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash, or trouble breathing.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase diltiazem levels in some people.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether you should avoid grapefruit while taking Cardizem SR.
Drug Interactions
Cardizem SR can interact with many medications.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Important interactions may occur with certain:
- Beta-blockers
- Digoxin
- Statins
- Anti-seizure medications
- Other blood pressure or heart medications
- Medicines that affect the CYP3A4 enzyme system
Your doses may need to be adjusted or monitored more closely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cardizem SR may cause dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness.
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
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