Cardizem
® (
diltiazem hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of chest pain (
angina).
The brand-name drug is made by Biovail Pharmaceuticals. Generic versions are made by various manufacturers.
This article focuses on regular (short-acting) Cardizem.
In addition to regular version, there are long-acting forms of the drug, including:
- Cardizem LA®, an extended-release form
- Cardizem CD®, a controlled-release form.
Cardizem SR® is a twice-a-day form that is no longer being made and is no longer available.
These different forms can vary in what they are used for, how they are taken, their strength, what other drugs they may interact with, and their shape or color.
Cardizem is part of a class of drugs called
calcium channel blockers. It helps slow down the rate at which
calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. This medication is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate, which makes the drug useful for certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
When and How to Take Cardizem
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- It comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth, usually three or four times a day.
- You should take your dosages before meals and at bedtime.
- The medication should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
For dosing information on the other forms of the drug, click on:
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. 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 easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling or water retention, especially in the hands, feet, or lower legs
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Weakness.
(Click Cardizem Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
For information about the side effects of the other forms of the drug, click on:
For drug interaction information for the other forms of the medication, go to:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Cardizem?
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Heart failure
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep Cardizem and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Cardizem?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
The tablets are available in four strengths:
- Cardizem 30 mg tablets
- Cardizem 60 mg tablets
- Cardizem 90 mg tablets
- Cardizem 120 mg tablets.
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of the drug are licensed for sale
(see Generic Cardizem).
