Buy Cardizem CD (Diltiazem Hcl) from Maple Leaf Medications.

What is Cardizem CD used for?

Cardizem CD (generic name: diltiazem hydrochloride) is an oral medication indicated to manage hypertension. By lowering high blood pressure, it could prevent complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. It is also used to manage chronic stable angina and angina due to coronary artery spasm.

This is available in Cardizem CD 180 mg, 120 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, and 360 mg extended-release capsules.

How does Cardizem CD work?

This calcium-channel blocker works by inhibiting the inflow of calcium ions into the smooth muscle of the heart while on depolarization. When the intracellular calcium concentration is reduced, smooth muscle relaxation will increase, which results in arterial vasodilation. Once arteries are dilated, blood pressure will get lower, and heart rate will decrease. Thus, helping the heart work less.

How to use Cardizem CD

Read the medicine information sheet that comes with this product first. Do not take this antidysrhythmic drug if you have not yet fully understood the drug information and precautions in the guide provided. If you need further medical advice or have more questions on how to use this prescription drug, you can ask your physician or pharmacist.

Take this capsule orally. This is usually prescribed once daily. You may take it with or without a meal or as prescribed by your physician. Swallow the drug and drink a glass of water right after. Do not split, cut, chew, or crush the extended-release capsules because they may release the drugs all at once and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Use this drug regularly and with a dosing schedule to achieve the best results. Do not alter your Cardizem CD dosage as it depends on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you are taking. You should also keep taking this prescription drug and do not stop taking it abruptly, for it could lead to worsening conditions.

Side effects of Cardizem CD

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Stomach upset
• Constipation
• Flushing

In most cases, the side effects caused by this oral medication are mild and temporary. If the adverse reactions persist or become worse after a couple of days or weeks, you may have to talk to your doctor or any healthcare professional. In addition, you must report severe side effects, such as:

• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Mental or mood changes
• Unusual dreams
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Persistent vomiting
• Yellowish skin
• Signs of worsening heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of lower extremities, unusual fatigue, sudden weight gain)

This is not a full or complete list of Cardizem CD side effects.

Precautions

Before starting to take this prescription medication, you must fully disclose your medical history to your physician, including any history of arrhythmia, liver disease, kidney disease, and heart failure. This is because certain conditions may significantly affect how your body will respond to the treatment. Further, you must also talk about all the prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products you are taking because of possible drug interactions.

Always be watchful for an allergic reaction while on this medication. Avoid taking this extended-release capsule if you have a known allergy to diltiazem or any inactive ingredients it may contain. Signs of a hypersensitivity reaction include itchiness, swelling, skin rashes, severe dizziness, and breathing difficulty. If this occurs, you must discontinue this drug right away and seek emergency medical help.

Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages or any similar substances that could trigger or worsen side effects, like dizziness and lightheadedness. You should also practice safety precautions when doing activities that require alertness, such as driving and using machinery.

Pregnant moms must use this antiarrhythmic only if clearly needed because its effects on unborn babies are still unknown. On the other hand, nursing moms should avoid this oral drug, for it could pass into the breast milk and cause harm to breastfed infants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cardizem CD a diuretic?

This medication may have a diuretic effect.

When is the best time to administer Cardizem CD?

You may take it any time of the day but at the same time each day.

Can Cardizem CD be given twice daily?

Your dosage and frequency will depend on the advice of your physician.

Does Cardizem CD cause weight gain?

An increase in weight is not directly linked to this oral drug.

How much does Cardizem CD (diltiazem Hcl) cost?

You may check for the prices of this medication from this page.