CARDIZEM CD (DILTIAZEM CD)

Cardizem CD Description

Cardizem CD or generic Diltiazem CD is a prescription medication that you may be advised to take if you are diagnosed with hypertension or are experiencing the pain of angina. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart or kidney disease if left untreated but there are no symptoms to let you know something is not right. This is why it is important that you see your doctor regularly so you can be diagnosed and begin treatment before you experience a heart attack or stroke. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Cardizem CD Works

Cardizem CD (controlled-delivery) is a medication that is released slowly in your body so you only need to take it once a day. Acting as a calcium channel blocker, Cardizem CD will work to interfere with the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of your heart and arteries in order to inhibit the electrical signals that calcium sends to cause the contraction of those cells. This action will allow your arteries to dilate and improve the blood flow so your heart is not overworking to pump blood to other organ and tissues and your blood pressure decreases.

Conditions Treated by Cardizem CD

The painful angina attacks you experience while exercising or performing other demanding chores is your heart letting you know it is working too hard to try and pump a sufficient blood supply to other parts of your body. This is usually due to narrowed, blocked or damaged coronary arteries that cannot carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

Taking Cardizem CD to prevent these attacks will allow you to continue exercising and staying active without the threat of an attack as it dilates the arteries so your heart is not straining to do its job. However, angina can be a warning sign that you could eventually experience a heart attack unless you take steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Before Cardizem CD is Prescribed to You

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or are breast feeding before taking Cardizem CD as it may pose a threat to your unborn or nursing baby. Explain other medical conditions or allergies to your doctor and list any Rx and OTC drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and other supplements to be certain there will be no adverse interactions with Cardizem CD.

Precautions for Cardizem CD

Cardizem CD will not repair any damage your heart muscle has sustained from the exertion of trying to pump blood to other organs, but it will help to avoid further damage. Never share any of your meds with anyone else and always keep Cardizem CD and other drugs out of children’s reach. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine you take without the consent of your doctor. If you experience dizziness with Cardizem CD, do not drive or take part in any activity considered unsafe until you feel stable.

Possible Side Effects of Cardizem CD

• Dizziness/weakness
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Flushing