Description

What is Cardizem 240 mg?

‘Cardizem 240 mg’ is usually an extended-release capsule containing 240 mg of diltiazem hydrochloride. Diltiazem is a member of a group of drugs called calcium-channel blockers.

It works by relaxing blood vessels. This means that blood can flow more easily and the heart does not have to work as hard. It can also improve the supply of blood & oxygen to the heart

Cardizem 240mg is used for treating high blood pressure or certain types of chest pain called angina. But the right product, dose and schedule depend on the patient and the condition being treated.

What is the use of Cardizem 240mg?

Doctors prescribe Cardizem CD to control:

• High blood pressure (also known as hypertension)
• Chronic, stable angina
• Coronary artery spasm resulting in angina

Managing high blood pressure can relieve stress on the heart and blood vessels. Treating angina can also help to stop episodes of chest pain. Still, diltiazem will control these conditions, not cure them.

How Does Cardizem 240 mg Work?

Calcium helps the muscles in the heart and blood vessels to contract. Diltiazem reduces the influx of calcium into the muscle cells. This causes blood vessels to relax . Blood pressure may drop and the heart does not have to work as hard .

The extended release form releases the medicine slowly over time. Some Cardizem CD products are therefore taken once daily. Different diltiazem products may have different directions so always follow the directions on your prescription label.

How do I take Cardizem 240 mg?

Take Cardizem 240mg exactly as directed by your doctor. Try to take it at the same time every day. Also ask your chemist if your particular product should be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

Take extended-release capsule whole, unless your product instructions or chemist tell you otherwise. Do not crush or chew this medicine because it may be released too fast.

Above all, do not change your own dosage. The doctor may titrate diltiazem slowly, based on your blood pressure, pulse, symptoms and how you are responding to the medication.

What If You Take Too Much?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If your next dose is almost time, take the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose, do not take 2 doses at the same time to catch up.

If you have trouble remembering doses, you can ask your chemist or use a reminder. If you are not sure what to do, consult a healthcare professional.

Common Side Effects of Cardizem 240 mg

Some may have:

• Feeling dizzy or light headed
• Headaches
• Flushing
• Tiredness or weakness
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• — Constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting
• Cough or nasal congestion

Not everyone will experience these effects. But call your doctor if a symptom is severe, persists, or if you are concerned. Also, if the medicine makes you feel dizzy, get up slowly.

Severe Side Effects and Cautions

If you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other side effects, get emergency medical help. Also seek immediate medical advice if you:

• A very slow or uneven heartbeat
• Chest pain new or worsening
• Shortness of breath or leg swelling
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or extreme fatigue
• Signs of very low blood pressure including fainting

These problems may have to be considered at once. So don’t ignore sudden or severe symptoms.

Who should see a doctor before taking it?

Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions. This is particularly important if you have:

• Hypotension
• Recent heart failure or heart attack
• A pulse that is slow or irregular
• heart block or sick sinus syndrome
• Liver or kidney disease
• Pregnancy, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• Allergy to diltiazem

Some individuals with very low blood pressure or certain electrical-conduction problems (unless they have a working pacemaker) may not be able to take Cardizem CD. A clinician must assess the risks.

Does Cardizem Interact with Other Drugs?

Yes. Diltiazem can interact with prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements. For example, taking it with some medicines that slow the heart rate may increase the risk of a very slow heart rate or conduction problems.

So be sure to give your doctor and chemist a complete list of your medicines. Don’t stop, add or change a medicine without checking first.

How Do You Follow Treatment?

Your healthcare professional may check your blood pressure and heart rate often. They may ask that you check your pulse at home. In addition, some patients may require laboratory testing or closer monitoring after a dose modification.

Continue to take the medicine even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop. High blood pressure often has no clear symptoms. Stopping treatment abruptly may also cause blood pressure or chest pain to get worse.

Is Cardizem 240mg for blood pressure?

Yes. Cardizem CD is used to treat high blood pressure. It dilates the blood vessels and decreases the work of the heart.

Is Cardizem 240mg same as diltiazem 240 mg?

Diltiazem is known by the brand name Cardizem. Different release systems and instructions may be used for Diltiazem products. So, don’t change brands or formulations without consulting a doctor or chemist.

Does 240mg of Cardizem decrease the heart rate?

It may slow the heart rate for some people. Call your clinician if your pulse gets unusually slow or if you feel faint, weak, or short of breath.

Can I stop Cardizem if my blood pressure gets normal?

No, not unless you talk to your doctor. This medication may control your blood pressure. If you stop it, your blood pressure or symptoms may come back.

Can I chew or crush Cardizem 240mg?

Do not crush or chew an extended-release Cardizem CD capsule. If you have difficulty swallowing or are unsure of what formulation you have, ask your chemist.

How fast does Cardizem 240mg work?

Timing is different. The medicine may start to work sooner but it may take up to about 2 weeks for the full blood-pressure-lowering effect. Follow-up monitoring helps your doctor to determine how well you are responding.

Cardizem 240mg may cause dizziness.

Yes. You may feel light headed or dizzy especially when you get up quickly. If the symptom is severe or continues, get up slowly and call your doctor.

What happens if I overdose on Cardizem?

An overdose is dangerous and can cause severe dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure or an abnormal heartbeat. Call emergency services or a poison-control centre immediately.

Bottom line

Cardizem 240mg is a diltiazem extended-release product primarily used for high blood pressure and certain types of angina. It eases the work the heart has to do and relaxes blood vessels. But it can cause side effects and interact with other medicines. So take only as directed and attend follow up checks. Seek medical help for serious symptoms.

• Cardizem 240mg is used for what?
• ## How does Cardizem 240mg work? Cardizem 240mg (diltiazem hydrochloride) is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels and slowing down your heart rate. This can help to: * Lower your blood pressure * Reduce the workload on your heart * Improve blood flow to your heart muscle This can help to relieve symptoms of angina (chest pain) and improve your overall heart health.
• What is Cardizem 240 mg for high blood pressure?
• Does Cardizem 240mg decrease heart rate?
• What are the side effects of Cardizem 240 mg?
• Cardizem 240mg may cause dizziness.
• When do I take Cardizem 240mg?
• Cardizem 240mg with food OK?
• ## What happens if I miss a dose of Cardizem 240mg?
• can you crush 240mg cardizem
• Cardizem 240 mg is diltiazem.
• How long does it take for Cardizem 240mg to work?
• Who should avoid taking Cardizem 240mg?
• Can Cardizem 240mg interact with other medicines?
• What to watch for when taking Cardizem 240mg?

Suggested Internal Link Anchor Texts

• signs of high blood pressure
• home blood pressure monitoring techniques
• Understanding Calcium-Channel Blockers
• Chest pain: common causes
• how to take your pulse