Drug Uses

Cardizem is used for the treatment of rhythm disturbances of the heart like supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter. It may also be used for other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.

How it is taken

Cardizem can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Some of the typical symptoms of a Cardizem overdose include confusion, shortness of breath especially while lying down, drowsiness,  lightheadedness, especially upon standing, nausea, slurred speech, fainting and slow heart rate. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, allergic to any ingredient in Cardizem, if you have if you have heart failure or have had a recent heart attack with lung congestion, heart block, low blood pressure, a very slow heart rate, or abnormal heart rhythm, have kidney or liver disease.

Do not take cardizem if you have sick sinus syndrome or have second– or third–degree heart block and do not have a pacemaker, if you have atrial fibrillation or flutter and a pre–excitation syndrome (extra conduction pathway in the heart), such as Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome (WPW) or Lown–Ganong–Levine syndrome (LGL) or if you are receiving injectable beta–blockers (eg, metoprolol) or erythromycin.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Cardizem should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Cardizem may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
 

Some of the common side effects of are Constipation, dizziness, facial flushing, headache, weakness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the feet or hands, tender, bleeding, or swollen gums.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.