Cardizem

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

heart problems, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat

liver disease

previous heart attack

an unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is usually taken before meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

cisapride

hawthorn

pimozide

ranolazine

red yeast rice

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

buspirone

carbamazepine

cimetidine

cyclosporine

digoxin

local anesthetics or general anesthetics

lovastatin

medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping like midazolam and triazolam

medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems

quinidine

rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

confusion, mental depression

feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

pinpoint red spots on the skin

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

slow, irregular heartbeat

swelling of the ankles, feet

unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

change in sex drive or performance

constipation or diarrhea

flushing of the face

headache

nausea, vomiting

tired or weak

trouble sleeping

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.