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Drug Information: Cardizem LA

CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker that is prescribed for the patients with high blood pressure, stroke, heart contraction problems, blood vessel relaxation problems, heart attacks, kidney disorders and stable or unstable angina. CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) blocks the calcium influx into the heart cells and prevents the contraction problems. CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) can decrease the heart beat and it is also prescribed in arrhythmic conditions and also in the medical management of chronic stable and unstable angina. CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) is usually prescribed with a regimen of anti-hypertensive drugs.

Who should not take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem)?

CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) is contraindicated in patients with congestive heart failures, duodenal or gastric strictures, heart sinus problems and end stage kidney problems. According to Food and Drug Administration, CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) is a pregnancy Category-C drug and it should be avoided in pregnancy and the side effects are unknown in lactation. You should not take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem), if you are taking drugs like sedatives, immunosuppressant, Buspirone, second and third generation antibiotcics, beta-blockers, anti-HIV drugs, amiodarone, and cholesterol lowering drugs, rifampicin and even grape juice and/or grape fruit.

CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) Side Effects:

CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) can cause skin rashes and sun burns, low paced heart beats, fever with vision changes, breathing problems, edema in the lower extremities, dizziness and fatigue. Some of the less serious side effects of CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) are GI upset with diarrhoea, cold, nasal congestion, and pain in the upper parts of abdomen, headache and tiredness.

How should I take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem)?

The recommended dosage for the CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) varies with the medical conditions. In hypertension that usual dose is 180 – 240 mg daily and in anginal attacks, the recommended dose is 180 – 360 mg daily. CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) can be administered alone or along with other anti-hypertensive drugs. The following instruction should be followed to take the CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) – 180 - 360 mg, depending on the medical condition (Daily): (1) You can take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) anytime disregard of food intake 2) Take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.

Keep taking CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) for as long as your health care provider tells you. For CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) to treat your blood pressure or to keep you away from getting the symptoms, you have to take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) as often and in the way CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) as prescribed.

What should I know about CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem)?

  • Take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) can be taken with or without food.
  • For CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) is contraindicated in patients with AV block or low blood pressure.
  • CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) is not a complete treatment for heart problems. You need life style modifications, diet restrictions and regular exercise.
  • Check your blood pressure and serum electrolytes regularly while you take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem).
  • Even if you feel well, don’t stop the medicine unless otherwise directed by your Physician.
  • Don’t take grape juice or grape wine and tender coconut milk while you are in CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) treatment.
  • Avoid hot sun to prevent sun burns.
  • If you feel angina, take nitroglycerin tablets, as directed by your doctor.
  • It is important to take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) regularly to get the most benefits, as directed by the Physician.
  • Do not stop taking CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • Store CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) as per the instructions on the label.

What happens if I miss a dose of CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem)?

Take the missed dose of CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose of CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem)?

If you feel extreme or unusual muscle pain with fatigue or nausea/vomiting, it may be a symptom of CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) overdose. Try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Where can I get more information on CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem)?

CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for CARDIZEM LA (Diltiazem) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.