Cardizem Cd

The recommended dose of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) can range from 120 mg to 360 mg daily. The dose for the tablet form of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) is usually taken 3 or 4 times a day. The dose for the capsule form of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) is usually taken once daily. Swallow the capsules whole with fluids. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsules.

The starting dose of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) to treat angina is usually 120 mg to 180 mg daily. Depending on how well the medication is tolerated and how effective it is at this dose, your doctor may gradually increase the dose every 1 to 2 weeks to a maximum of 360 mg daily.

The starting dose to treat high blood pressure is usually 180 mg to 240 mg daily. It may take 2 to 4 weeks to reach a maximum benefit with any one dose, therefore dose increases should not be done more often than every 2 weeks, to a maximum of 360 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause headaches; it may cause indigestion; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may alter your sense of taste; it could cause water retention and swelling; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may lower your blood pressure, which could cause weakness and/or dizziness. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Cardizem CD is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under Cardizem CD (Diltiazem). This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not take Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) if you:

• are allergic to Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) or any ingredients of the medication
• are or may become pregnant
• are receiving either of the medications Dantrolene or Ivabradine
• have certain types of heart rhythm problems in the absence of a pacemaker
• have very Low Blood Pressure
• have weakened pumping action of the heart (called left ventricular failure)
• have heart block
• have had a Heart Attack and are experiencing difficulty breathing

There may be an interaction between Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (Asa)
• Aldesleukin
• alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Silodosin, Tamsulosin)
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., Captopril, Lisinopril, Ramipril)
• angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs; e.g., Candesartan, Irbesartan, Losartan)
• anti-cancer medications (e.g., Cabazitaxel, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Irinotecan, Vincristine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Clozapine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Apalutamide
• Apixaban
• Aprepitant
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Chlordiazepoxide, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• beta-adrenergic blocking agents (e.g., Atenolol, Labetalol, Metoprolol)
• Bicalutamide
• Bosentan
• brimonidine
• Bromocriptine
• Buprenorphine
• Buspirone
• Calcitriol
• other calcium channel blockers (e.g., Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil)
• calcium supplements (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium citrate)
• cannabis
• Carbamazepine
• chloroquine
• Cimetidine
• Clopidogrel
• Cobicistat
• Colchicine
• Colestipol
• conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• dantrolene
• Dapsone
• Darifenacin
• Deferasirox
• Digoxin
• Dipyridamole
• Disopyramide
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• dofetilide
• Domperidone
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• Eletriptan
• Enzalutamide
• Eplerenone
• estrogens (e.g., conjugated estrogen, Estradiol, ethinyl estradiol)
• Ethosuximide
• Everolimus
• Fingolimod
• Flecainide
• Flutamide
• Galantamine
• "gliptin" diabetes medications (e.g., Linagliptin, Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin)
• grapefruit juice
• Guanfacine
• Haloperidol
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., delavirdine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• ivabradine
• Ivacaftor
• Lacosamide
• Lanreotide
• levodopa
• lidocaine
• lithium
• Lomitapide
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• magnesium salts (e.g., magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulphate)
• maraviroc
• Mefloquine
• Methadone
• Methylphenidate
• Metronidazole
• mifepristone
• Mirabegron
• Mirtazapine
• Modafinil
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• Naloxegol
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• nefazodone
• neuro-muscular blockers (e.g., muscle relaxants; atracurium, rocuronium, succinylcholine)
• nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate)
• Obinutuzumab
• Octreotide
• oral corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone)
• Pasireotide
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)
• Pimecrolimus
• primidone
• progestins (e.g., Dienogest, Levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, Norethindrone)
• Propafenone
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., Bosutinib, Dasatinib, imatinib, Nilotinib)
• proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Lansoprazole, Omeprazole)
• quinidine
• quinine
• Ranitidine
• Repaglinide
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• rilpivirine
• Riociguat
• Rivaroxaban
• salmeterol
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• siltuximab
• simeprevir
• Sirolimus
• Solifenacin
• St. John's wort
• "statin" anti-cholesterol medications (e.g., Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Simvastatin)
• Tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• Theophylline
• Ticagrelor
• Ticlopidine
• Tizanidine
• Tocilizumab
• Tolterodine
• Tolvaptan
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• Ulipristal
• Warfarin
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Cardizem CD (Diltiazem). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Cardizem CD (Diltiazem).

Asthma: Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may cause asthma symptoms to get worse. If you have asthma, discuss with your doctor how Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood pressure: Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may lower blood pressure too much in certain cases. Symptoms of severe lowering of blood pressure may occur, such as weakness or dizziness, particularly when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position. If you experience lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness, talk to your doctor.

Congestive Heart Failure: If you have congestive heart failure, discuss with your doctor how Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Diabetes: Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Cardizem CD (Diltiazem).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart rhythm problems: In people with certain types of heart rhythm problems (sick sinus syndrome, second- and third-degree atrio-ventricular block) who do not have pacemakers, Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may cause abnormally slow heart rates. People with certain types of heart rhythm problems should not take Cardizem CD (Diltiazem). If you have a heart rhythm problem, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking Cardizem CD (Diltiazem). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Kidney function: The kidneys are partially responsible for removing Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) from the body. As a result, Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Cardizem CD (Diltiazem).

Rarely, Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) may cause liver damage. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: Women who are or may become pregnant should not take Cardizem CD (Diltiazem). If you become pregnant while taking Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Cardizem CD (Diltiazem), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Cardizem CD (Diltiazem) for use by children have not been established.

Seniors: People over the age of 65 years may be more at risk of side effects from Cardizem CD (Diltiazem).

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. It must be used regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Be sure to keep an adequate supply on hand. The capsule of this medication should not be opened, crushed or chewed. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food.