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

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February 8, 2012

Cardizem LA

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 LA

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CARDIZEM® LA
(diltiazem hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cardizem LA (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® LA (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 450.99. Cardizem LA (diltiazem) Tablets, for oral administration are formulated as a once-a-day extended-release tablet containing 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, or 360 mg diltiazem hydrochloride.

Also contains: carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate copolymer dispersion, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, microcrystalline wax, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate, povidone, pregelatinized starch, simethicone, sodium starch glycolate, sucrose stearate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of diltiazem?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or slow heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
nausea, stomach pain, low...

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

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, narrowing of any part of the stomach/intestines.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use...

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