Cardizem (Diltiazem)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - January 25, 2021
Cardizem (Diltiazem) Medication Information
Uses
Cardizem is indicated for the management of chronic stable angina and angina due to coronary artery spasm.
Dosage
There are oral tablets available in several different strengths:
- 30 mg
- 60 mg
- 90 mg
- 120 mg
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Cardizem include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Bradycardia
- AV block
- Edema
- ECG abnormality
- Asthenia
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.
Precautions
Cardizem (diltiazem hydrochloride) is extensively metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys and in bile. As with any drug given over prolonged periods, laboratory parameters of renal and hepatic function should be monitored at regular intervals. The drug should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.
Dermatological events may be transient and may disappear despite continued use of Cardizem. However, skin eruptions progressing to erythema multiforme and/or exfoliative dermatitis have also been infrequently reported. Should a dermatologic reaction persist, the drug should be discontinued.
Interactions
Some of the common drug interactions with Cardizem:
- Anesthetics
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta-blockers
- Buspirone
- Carbamazepine
- Cimetidine
- Clonidine
- Cyclosporine
- Digoxin
- Quinidine
- Rifampin
- Statins
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (59º–86ºF). Avoid excessive humidity.
Pharmacist Tips
- Patients controlled on diltiazem alone or in combination with other medications may be switched to Cardizem CD capsules at the nearest equivalent total daily dose.
- Subsequent titration to higher or lower doses may be necessary and should be initiated as clinically warranted.
- The incidence of side effects increases as the dose increases with first degree AV block, dizziness, and sinus bradycardia bearing the strongest relationship to dose
Diltiazem FAQs
Can I take this with food?
Can be taken with or without food.
Can I take this if I am pregnant?
There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, use Cardizem in pregnant women only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Diltiazem is excreted in human milk. One report suggests that concentrations in breast milk may approximate serum levels. If use of Cardizem is deemed essential, an alternative method of infant feeding should be instituted.
Can this be titrates?
Dosage must be adjusted to each patient's needs. Starting with 30 mg four times daily, before meals and at bedtime, dosage should be increased gradually (given in divided doses three or four times daily) at 1- to 2-day intervals until optimum response is obtained.
Can I take Cardizem with nitroglycerine?
Sublingual nitroglycerine may be taken as required to abort acute anginal attacks during Cardizem (diltiazem hydrochloride) therapy.
Can I take Cardizem with other antihypertensives?
Cardizem has an additive antihypertensive effect when used with other antihypertensive agents. Therefore, the dosage of Cardizem or the concomitant antihypertensives may need to be adjusted when adding one to the other.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Cardizem {package insert}. Bridgewater NJ: BTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2009.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/020062s040lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.