Cardizem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control chest pain (angina). Cardizem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Cardizem is also used sometimes to treat Raynaud's syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using Cardizem
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine.
Before taking Cardizem,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Cardizem or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex), and diuretics (water pills); carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); fentanyl (Duragesic); medications to treat depression; medications to treat glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye); theophylline; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Cardizem, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Cardizem.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken with or without food.
Cardizem comes as a tablet and an extended- or dual-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken three or four times a day with or without food. The capsule is usually taken one or two times a day. The extended-release capsule (Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT) should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The extended-release capsule (Tiazac) may be taken with or without food. The dual-release capsule (Cardizem CD) may be taken with food.
If taken regularly, Cardizem controls chest pain, but it does not stop chest pain once it starts. Your doctor may give you a different medication to take when you have chest pain.
Cardizem controls high blood pressure and chest pain (angina) but does not cure them. It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of Cardizem. Continue to take Cardizem even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Cardizem without talking to your doctor.
Cautions
Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Side Effects
Although side effects from Cardizem are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- flushing (feeling of warmth)
- headache
- excessive tiredness
- slower heartbeat
- upset stomach
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- stomach pain
- dry mouth
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever
- increase in frequency or severity of chest pain (angina)
Storage
Store below 25°C. Protect from light and moisture.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much
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.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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