Cardizem (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Cardizem

Angina »

Introduction to angina

Chest pain is a common symptom that is caused by many different conditions. Some causes require prompt medical attention, such as angina, heart attack, or tearing of the aorta. Other causes of chest pain that may not require immediate medical intervention include spasm of the esophagus, gallbladder attack, or inflammation of the chest wall. An accurate diagnosis is important in providing proper treatment to patients with chest pain.

The diagnosis and treatment of angina is discussed below, as well as the diagnosis of other causes of chest pain that can mimic angina.

What is angina, and what are the symptoms of angina?

Angina (angina pectoris - Latin for squeezing of the chest) is chest discomfort that occurs when there is a decreased blood oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle. In most cases, the lack of blood supply is due to a narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of arterioscler...

Read the Angina article »

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Cardizem

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CARDIZEM®
(diltiazem hydrochloride) Direct Compression Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cardizem® (diltiazem hydrochloride) is a calcium ion cellular influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium antagonist). Chemically, diltiazem hydrochloride is 1,5-Benzothiazepin-4(5H)-one, 3(acetyloxy)-5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, monohydrochloride,(+)-cis-. The chemical structure is:

CARDIZEM®</b><br />
(diltiazem hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, methanol, and chloroform. It has a molecular weight of 450.98. Each tablet of Cardizem contains 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, or 120 mg diltiazem hydrochloride.

Also contains: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake (30 mg and 90 mg), FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake (60 mg and 120 mg), hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, and polyethylene glycol.

For oral administration.

What are the precautions when taking diltiazem hydrochloride (Cardizem)?

Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as sick sinus syndrome/atrioventricular block unless you have a pacemaker).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires...

Read All Potential Precautions of Cardizem »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/5/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.