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Cardizem SR Information

Cardizem SR (Diltiazem SR) is prescribed alone or with other medications to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack and stroke, associated with hypertension. It helps reduce the strain on the heart and arteries over time. It's also used to prevent and manage chronic stable angina (chest pain that occurs with physical exertion). It is also used in a type of angina called variant angina (Prinzmetal's angina), which occurs due to spasm of the coronary arteries. Essentially, it helps the heart get more oxygen while simultaneously lowering its oxygen demand.

Diltiazem itself is quite a widely used medication that belongs to a class of antihypertensive drugs called calcium channel blockers (specifically, the non-dihydropyridine type). The core function of diltiazem is that it blocks the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. This action causes the muscles of the blood vessels to relax and widen (vasodilation), resulting in a reduction in the overall resistance to blood flow and blood pressure. It also slows the heart rate and reduces the force of the heart's contraction. This dual action of widening blood vessels (allowing more blood to the heart) and decreasing the heart's workload is also what makes it effective for angina.

This medication is available in sustained-release formulations (SR), which allow for sustained control of blood pressure and angina symptoms while also making the dosing schedule more convenient for patients.

Cardizem SR Side Effects

As with any medication, diltiazem can cause a range of side effects, some of which are more common and others that are serious but rare. Some more common side effects may include dizziness or lightheadedness, flushing, general feeling of being unwell, headaches, nausea, red, irritated, or sore eyes, tiredness or weakness, and vomiting. Taking care to get up slowly from a lying or sitting position can help reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness. If any of these mild side effects persist or worsen, please contact your doctor promptly.

More serious side effects can occur, although they are rare. If you experience any of the following, you should stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, including a widespread rash, hives, severe itching, or swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, along with difficulty breathing.
• Depression;
• Heart problems such as slow heartbeat, fast or irregular heartbeat or pulse, chest pain, or worsening of heart failure symptoms; • High blood sugar;
• Kidney failure with symptoms like confusion, itchiness or rash, puffiness in the face and hands, decreased urine production;
• Liver problems with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stool;
• Vision changes such as blurred vision, vision loss, sensitivity to light;
• Worsening asthma symptoms

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Cardizem SR Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to diltiazem, other ingredients in Cardizem SR, or other antihypertensives. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Asthma;
• Diabetes;
• Heart conditions such as heart failure and atrioventricular block, or a recent heart attack;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure

Do not stop taking this medication abruptly, as sudden discontinuation may cause a sharp, severe return of chest pain, especially in individuals with angina. Consult your doctor before discontinuing this medication. Diltiazem is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential harmful effects on the fetus shown in animal studies. Also, do not breastfeed while taking this medication due to the potential for severe adverse reactions in nursing infants from diltiazem. Cardizem SR is not recommended for use in children.

Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you understand its impact on your alertness, as it can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Cardizem SR should be used with caution in older adults, as they are at a higher risk of developing side effects from this medication. Concurrent use of diltiazem with some other drugs, such as amiodarone and beta-blockers, may lead to severe side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss with your doctor all current medications you are using, including herbal supplements, to determine potential interactions with diltiazem.

This medication is available as sustained-release capsules, typically taken once daily, with or without food at bedtime. Swallow each tablet whole with a glass of water and avoid crushing or chewing the tablets, as doing so may cause all the medicine to be released at once, leading to side effects. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you depending on your medical condition and other factors. Take this medication consistently as prescribed for optimal results. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Cardizem SR?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Cardizem SR.