What is Cardizem: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cardizem overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Dilt-XR, Taztia XT, Tiadylt ER, Tiazac, Tiazac, Tiazac

Generic Names:

  • Diltiazem Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain). This medicine is a calcium channel blocker.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianginal, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent

Forms:

  • 12 Hour Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, 24 Hour Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Cardizem come in

  • 12 Hour Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • 24 Hour Capsule

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Tablet

What are common Cardizem doses?

  • Tablet 30MG

  • Tablet 60MG

  • Tablet 120MG

Common Cardizem prescriptions

  • Cardizem
    120mg tablet

  • Cardizem
    30mg tablet

  • Cardizem
    60mg tablet

How to take Cardizem

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.

Cardizem contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to diltiazem or similar medicines.

Cardizem warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Slow heartbeatWorsening of heart failureSerious skin reactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or digestion problems. Tell your doctor about all heart problems that you have, including heart failure or rhythm problems.

Cardizem interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Some medicines can affect how diltiazem works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:Buspirone, carbamazepine, cimetidine, clonidine, cyclosporine, digoxin, ivabradine, lovastatin, midazolam, quinidine, rifampin, simvastatin, triazolamOther blood pressure medicine, including a beta-blocker.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Cardizem side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, uneven, or pounding heartbeat

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes