Cardizem Side Effects

Water retention, headache, and nausea are among the most common side effects of Cardizem. Those that are rare include memory loss, nosebleeds, and vomiting. In most cases, Cardizem side effects are minor and do not require medical attention, but you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience hallucinations, a fluttering sensation in the chest, or symptoms of depression.

 

Cardizem Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Cardizem® (diltiazem hydrochloride); however, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Cardizem. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Cardizem side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Cardizem

Cardizem has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.
 This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common Cardizem side effects included:
 
  • Swelling or water retention (especially in the hands, feet, or lower legs) -- in up to 2.4 percent of people
  • Headache -- up to 2.1 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 1.9 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 1.5 percent
  • Rash -- up to 1.3 percent
  • Weakness -- up to 1.2 percent.
     
(Cardizem Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;