Drug name

Cardizem (Diltiazem)

Usage indications

Cardizem is used for the treatment and prevention of stenocardia which results at coronary artery spasms. Cardizem is used for high blood pressure decrease. Cardizem is used as well for the treatment of pathologically quick heart rhythms such as artery fibrillation.

Application mode

Cardizem can be taken both with and without food. The patients suffering from liver or kidney disfunction should decrease the dose as it is discharged with kidney and absorbed by liver.

Drug class and mechanism of action

Cardizem belongs to calcium channel blockers drugs. These drugs block calcium transportation to smooth muscle cells by evening coronary and other arteries in the body. As calcium is an important element for muscle contractions it relaxes artery muscles and broadens coronary and other arteries by blocking calcium transportation. By easing  coronary ways Cardizem is useful for the treatment and prevention of chest pains (stenocardia), which result at coronary artery spasms. By relaxing the muscles, evening other arteries this drug decreases blood pressure by thus decreasing influence over the heart as it makes the blood circulating all over the body. The decrease of heart influence decreases heart muscle oxygen necessity by’ thus helping to prevent stenocardia of patients suffering from coronary artery diseases. Cardizem helps to decrease heart electroconductivity and slow heart rhythm.

Missed doses

Do not miss any intake. During single miss of doze intake it is necessary to take the doze as soon as possible. If the time of missed doze intake corresponds to the time of next doze intake the drug intake should be missed. The double dosage is prohibited for intake

Storage

Keep this drug away from humidity, light and high temperature.

Warnings /precautions

Before this drug intake be sure to inform your doctor about the following:

• heart problems, lungs diseases, allergies.

Limit alcohol usage during this drug intake. Use this drug during pregnancy in case of severe necessity only. Be sure to discuss advantages and risks of this  drug intake during pregnancy. This drug influences mother milk. Stop breast feeding in case if there is no alternative of this drug intake. Consult with your doctor before starting breast feeding. 

Possible side effects

This drug can cause giddiness especially within first days of intake. Avoid actions requiring specific attention and precautions. Rise slowly after sitting or lying by thus allowing your body to correct and minimize giddiness. Moreover, you can encounter swelling, burning, muscle spasms, headache, skin redness, sneezing, quinsy, constipation or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if these symptoms irritate. Mind informing your doctor if you encounter breathing difficulties, hands or legs edema, irregular heartbeat. Remember to inform your doctor or pharmaceutist if you encounter other effects not listed here. 

Other information

This drug is for your personal usage only. Do not share it with anyone else.