Cardizem (Diltiazem) Canada
Description
Cardizem (Diltiazem) belongs to a group of calcium channel blockers. The medication relaxes the heart muscles, as well as blood vessels. Considering the powerful impact the drug produces, it is prescribed to patients who are affected by hypertension or angina. While the coronary artery spasm produces chest pain, Cardizem decreases tension and improves the condition. Besides, the treatment can be combined with other medications for a boosted effect. Consult your healthcare provider before the off-label medication use.
Recommendations
Taking Cardizem to improve any of the conditions, one should strictly follow prescribed directions and instructions. Never take the drug in lower or higher doses than necessary, neither prolong the treatment course since Cardizem overuse and misuse can lead to serious complications. Tell your physician if the prescribed dose seems ineffective, though never change it on your own. Avoid breaking, crushing or chewing extended-release capsules. Swallow it whole, instead. To benefit from the maximal possible Cardizem effect one should administer the treatment of a daily basis, for the full length of recommended course. Make sure you have got a refill earlier than you are out of the medication.
Do not stop Cardizem intake abruptly, since you can trigger dangerous side effects or make your symptoms worse. The blood pressure should be frequently checked during the treatment course. Once you have missed Cardizem dose, you should take it the first moment you remember about it. However, skip the dose if the next scheduled one should be administered soon.
Precautions
Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before Cardizem treatment course. Certain medical conditions and disorders interact with the medication. Thus, provide a healthcare specialist with a complete list of disorders and health problems you have, especially liver or kidney diseases, congestive heart failure, history of stroke, heart attack and similar conditions. It is not known if the active ingredients of the medication can harm unborn or nursing children, but Cardizem intake is not commonly recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Besides, people with uncontrolled low blood pressure, severe heart conditions or allergy to Diltiazem should not take the treatment to avoid dangerous consequences.
Drug Interactions
Tell your physician about other pharmaceutical products and herbal supplements you are taking to prevent possible drug interactions and their devastating results. Cardizem should not be combined with other drugs containing Diltiazem, statins, beta-blockers, anesthetics, Buspirone, benzodiazepines, Clonidine, Rifampin, Cimetidine and others.
Side Effects
Address the nearest emergency room if you have noticed any symptoms of Cardizem overuse, including swelling of the tongue, face, throat and lips, itching, problems breathing, hives and other complications.
Generally, Cardizem is a safe medication, and its common side effects, such as rash, headache, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, dizziness and others are temporary. The reactions will disappear after the first drug intakes. Call your doctor if the symptoms aggravate and the general condition gets worse. Besides, ask your healthcare provider about other serious side effects, especially lightheadedness, slow heartbeats, dangerous liver problems, heart disorders, severe skin reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, uneven heart rate and others.