CARDIZEM LA (CALLED TIAZAC XC IN CANADA) (DILTIAZEM)

Cardizem LA Description

Cardizem LA (called Tiazac XC in Canada) can be prescribed to reduce blood pressure and treat the chest pain of angina, but is especially effective at decreasing the rate and strength of the contractions of your heart and other heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation.

Hypertension is a growing problem worldwide and there are an alarming number of people in the USA that are not even aware they have high blood pressure. Undiagnosed and untreated hypertension can greatly increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Restore Proper Blood Flow and Re-Establish Regular Heartbeat

The active ingredient in Cardizem LA is called Diltiazem Long Acting, a calcium channel blocker (CCB). When taken as directed, Cardizem LA works by blocking calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and arteries. It can also slow the electrical conduction through your heart that will correct irregular heartbeats.

Calcium carries out many functions, such as signaling muscle cells to contract. However, this also includes the muscles that surround your arteries so blood flow can be restricted and the force of the blood flow can damage arterial walls. This causes your heart to work harder so it can pump blood around your body. By blocking calcium, arteries widen and normal blood flow is restored.

Conditions Treated by Cardizem LA

Having high blood pressure is one of the causes for having atrial fibrillation (AFib). When the electrical impulses that signal your heart to expand and contract misfire, the 2 top chambers of your heart, called the atria, lose their coordination and the rhythm becomes chaotic. The 2 bottom chambers, the ventricles, also begin to beat quickly because it is not receiving all of the signals. Treatment is essential as the continued hectic rhythm must be corrected or it becomes impossible to change with drugs and a doctor will be required to ‘shock’ your heart in an attempt to return the rhythm to normal.

Before Cardizem LA is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about any risks of taking Cardizem LA while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal, natural, or alternative medications. Your doctor can then determine if Cardizem LA is safe for you.

Cardizem LA Precautions

You should not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task that requires you to be alert and clear-headed until you know how your body will react to Cardizem LA. Consuming alcohol could increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not share Cardizem LA with others and keep all medications out of children’s reach. Your doctor will monitor your progress so keep all appointments and lab tests to be certain Cardizem LA is working for you.

Possible Side Effects of Cardizem LA

• Cough
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heartburn/Indigestion