(Generic Name)
BRAND NAME
Cardizem, 30 mg
Cardizem, 60 mg
Cardizem-SR, 60 mg
Cardizem-SR, 90 mg
Cardizem-SR, 120 mg
Cardizem CD 120 mg
Cardizem CD 180 mg
Cardizem CD 240 mg
(also available in generics)
TYPE OF DRUG
Calcium channel blocker.
PRESCRIBED FOR
Angina pectoris; high blood pressure; prevention of a reoccurrence of some kinds of
heart attack.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Diltiazem Hydrochloride is one of several calcium channel blockers marketed in the
Canada. These drugs work by slowing the passage of calcium into muscle cells.
This causes muscles in the blood vessels that supply your heart to open wider,
allowing more blood to reach heart tissues. The drugs also decrease muscle spasm in
those blood vessels. Diltiazem Hydrochloride also reduces the speed at which
electrical impulses are carried through heart tissue, adding to its ability to slow the
heart and prevent the pain of angina. This drug can help to reduce high blood pressure
by causing blood vessels throughout the body to widen, allowing blood to flow more
easily through them, especially when combined with a diuretic, beta blocker, or other
blood-pressure-lowering drug.
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
Diltiazem Hydrochloride can slow your heart and interfere with normal electrical
conduction. For people with a condition called sick sinus syndrome, this can result in
temporary heart stoppage; most people will not develop this effect.
Diltiazem Hydrochloride can cause severe liver damage and should be taken with
caution if you have had hepatitis or any other liver condition. Caution should also be
exercised if you have a history of kidney problems, although no clear tendency toward
causing kidney damage exists.
PREGNANCY/BREAST-FEEDING
Animal studies with Diltiazem Hydrochloride have revealed a definite potential to
harm a developing fetus, usually at doses greater than the usual human dose. As doses
are increased, adverse effects become more frequent and more severe. Diltiazem
Hydrochloride should not be taken by pregnant women or women who may become
pregnant while using it. In those situations where it is deemed essential, the potential
risk of the drug must be carefully weighed against any benefit it might produce.
Nursing mothers should use an alternative feeding method, since Diltiazem
Hydrochloride passes into breast milk. Diltiazem Hydrochloride's safety in children
has not been established.
SENIORS
Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of this drug because it takes longer to
pass out of their bodies. Follow your doctor's directions and report any side effects at
once.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Possible side effects include abnormal heart rhythms, headache, fatigue, nausea, rash,
and fluid accumulation in the hands, legs, or feet.
Less common side effects are low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, changes in heart
rate (increase or decrease), heart failure, light-headedness, nervousness, tingling in the
hands or feet, hallucinations, temporary memory loss, difficulty sleeping, weakness,
diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, upset stomach, itching, unusual sensitivity to sunlight,
painful or stiff joints, liver inflammation, and increased urination, especially at night.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Taking Diltiazem Hydrochloride together with a beta-blocking drug for high blood
pressure is usually well tolerated, but may lead to heart failure in people with already
weakened hearts.
Calcium channel blockers, including Diltiazem Hydrochloride, may add to the effects
of Digoxin, although this effect is not observed with any consistency and only affects
people with a large amount of Digoxin already in their systems.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Diltiazem Hydrochloride is best taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2
hours after meals.
USUAL DOSE
30 to 60 milligrams 4 times per day.
OVERDOSAGE
The 2 major symptoms of Diltiazem Hydrochloride overdose are very low blood
pressure and reduced heart rate. Patients poisoned with this drug must be made to
vomit within 30 minutes of the actual dose with Syrup of Ipecac (available at any
pharmacy) to remove the drug from the stomach. If overdose symptoms have
developed or more than 30 minutes have passed, vomiting is of little value. You must
go to a hospital emergency room for treatment. ALWAYS bring the medicine bottle.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Call your doctor if you develop any of the following symptoms: swelling of the hands,
legs, or feet, severe dizziness, constipation or nausea, or very low blood pressure.
If you forget to take a dose of Diltiazem Hydrochloride, take it as soon as you
remember. If it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the one you
forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.