What Is Cardizem CD and Cardizem Used For?

Cardizem CD capsules and Cardizem tablets both contain the active ingredient diltiazem hydrochloride. These medicines belong to a group called calcium channel blockers that work by opening up blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to reach the heart.

Primary Uses

Cardizem tablets are used to prevent angina (chest pain). Cardizem CD capsules are used to prevent angina or treat high blood pressure. Angina is pain or uncomfortable sensation in the chest that often spreads to the arms or neck, caused by a shortage of oxygen to the heart.

How It Works

These medicines work by opening up blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and lets more blood and oxygen reach the heart. They do not change the amount of calcium in your blood or bones. Cardizem CD is designed to release the active ingredient slowly over 24 hours, while regular Cardizem tablets release the ingredient faster.

How to Take Cardizem CD and Cardizem

Your doctor will tell you exactly how much and how often to take your medicine. Follow all directions carefully and take at the same time each day.

Dosage Instructions

Cardizem CD capsules can be taken once a day, preferably at the same time every day. Cardizem tablets can be taken three or four times a day. Swallow the capsules or tablets whole with a glass of water – do not chew them.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re taking these medicines for angina, do not suddenly stop taking them as this can cause severe angina for a day or two.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• small round, raised itchy areas on skin
• rash or itchy, burning sensation
• increased sun sensitivity
• swelling or flushing
• headache
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• dry mouth
• weight increase
• weakness or tiredness
• trouble sleeping
• ringing in ears
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
• indigestion, stomach pain
• confusion, hallucinations, abnormal dreams
• mood changes, nervousness, tremor
• memory loss
• unusual movements

Important Warnings

Do not use these medicines if you have certain medical conditions or take specific medications. Always tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications.

Who Should Not Take Cardizem CD and Cardizem

Do not use if you are allergic to diltiazem hydrochloride or any ingredients, have certain types of abnormal heart rhythm, have low blood pressure, have had a heart attack or other heart complications, have fluid on the lungs, or are currently taking dantrolene or ivabradine.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have abnormal heart beat rhythm, low blood pressure, heart attack or heart complications, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or asthma. Also mention if you take blood thinners like dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

These medicines should not be used during pregnancy as they may affect your developing baby. The active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about breastfeeding – a decision will need to be made whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue the medicine.

Drug Interactions

Many medicines can interfere with Cardizem CD and Cardizem. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.

• dantrolene (muscle relaxant)
• aspirin
• blood clot prevention medications
• cilostazol
• heart and blood pressure medicines (beta blockers, digoxin, amiodarone, nitrates)
• ciclosporin
• rifampicin (antibiotic)
• cimetidine or ranitidine (for ulcers)
• diazepam
• phenytoin (for epilepsy)
• carbamazepine
• lithium
• theophylline (for asthma)
• prostate medicines
• ivabradine
• anesthetic agents
• cholesterol medicines (simvastatin, lovastatin)
• sedatives and anxiety medicines
• corticosteroids
• heart rhythm medicines
• scan contrast medicines
• colchicine (for gout)
• blood thinners

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful with activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how these medicines affect you. These medicines may cause dizziness and fainting, especially when you first start using them. Get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up if you feel lightheaded.

Storage

Keep these medicines in their original packaging until time to take them. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep in a locked cupboard at least one and a half meters above ground, away from children.

Overdose Information

If you think you or anyone else has taken too many Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Overdose symptoms may include continuous lightheadedness, very slow heartbeat, severe chest and left arm pain, or fluid accumulation in lungs causing shortness of breath that may develop 24-48 hours after intake.

Frequently Asked Questions