Cardizem
Cardizem is a prescription drug used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. It is a member of the calcium channel blocker (CCB) drug class.By allowing your blood vessel muscles to relax, CCBs lower your blood pressure and make it simpler for your heart to pump blood. Both an oral tablet and an oral solution are available for Cardizem.Generic versions of Cardizem are additionally offered. Usually, generic medications cost less than name-brand ones.
Side Effects
Cardizem's typical side effects include:
dizziness,
lightheadedness,
tiredness,
enlarged ankles/feet
fluid accumulation,
constipation, too.
Cardizem may also lower your blood pressure, which could leave you feeling lightheaded or woozy. Be sure to sit or lie down until these side effects pass if you experience them. Get out of a sitting or lying position slowly to prevent lightheadedness and dizziness.
If these side effects are minor, they might disappear in a few days or weeks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if they are more severe or persistent.
Mechanism of Action
Cardizem lowers blood pressure and makes it simpler for the heart to pump blood by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels. The medication is a calcium channel blocker (CCB), a class of medication.
Your muscles require calcium to contract. Your muscles tighten and your blood pressure increases when your calcium levels are high. The channels that let calcium enter your muscle cells are blocked by CCBs. Your blood pressure is reduced, and the force of your muscle contractions is reduced.
Dosage
Both an oral tablet and an oral solution are available for Cardizem. Typically, it is taken once or twice a day. Three strengths of the oral tablet are available: 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg. There are two strengths available for the oral solution: 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL.
Cardizem is typically started at a dose of 30 mg once daily. If necessary, your doctor may raise your dose to 60 mg or 90 mg once daily. If you have a condition like liver disease, they might also prescribe you a lower dose of 10 mg once daily.
The recommended starting dose for the oral solution is 10 mg/mL once daily. If necessary, your doctor may raise your dose to 40 mg/mL once daily.
Adults typically take 180–240 mg per day, divided into two doses, for high blood pressure. The typical adult dose for chest pain is 120–180 mg per day, given in divided doses.
Your doctor might begin you on a low dose and then gradually increase it in order to lower your risk of side effects. Carefully follow these instructions.
For 4 to 8 weeks, cardizem is typically taken. Your physician may advise that you continue taking Cardizem for up to 12 months if you are taking it for chest pain.
If you are taking Cardizem for high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to keep doing so even after your readings have dropped. This prevents the re-increasing of your blood pressure.
Your doctor might advise that you continue taking Cardizem for the rest of your life if you're taking it for both high blood pressure and chest pain.
You can take Cardizem with or without food. If you take Cardizem more than once per day, space your doses out evenly.
Take your missed Cardizem dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two Cardizem doses at the same time.
Mechanism of Action
Cardizem lowers blood pressure and makes it simpler for the heart to pump blood by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels. The medication is a calcium channel blocker (CCB), a class of medication.
Your muscles require calcium to contract. Your muscles tighten and your blood pressure increases when your calcium levels are high. The channels that let calcium enter your muscle cells are blocked by CCBs. Your blood pressure is reduced, and the force of your muscle contractions is reduced.
Pharmacokinetics
Cardizem has a bioavailability of between 50 and 60 percent and is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Its extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver results in a 1.5–6 hour elimination half-life.
The cytochrome P450 (CYP) 450 enzymes, specifically CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, metabolize cardizem. The majority of its metabolites are excreted in the urine.
Alternatives
Other CCBs like verapamil (Calan) and diltiazem (Cardizem CD, Dilacor XR) are CCBs that can be used as alternatives to Cardizem. These medications function similarly to Cardizem.
Beta blockers like metoprolol (Lopressor) and propranolol (Inderal), as well as ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Zestril) and enalapril (Vasotec), are additional options if you're taking Cardizem for chest pain.
Alternatives to Cardizem for high blood pressure include ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Zestril) and enalapril (Vasotec), as well as thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide).
Beta blockers like metoprolol (Lopressor) and propranolol (Inderal) as well as ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Zestril) and enalapril (Vasotec) are additional options if you have heart failure.
Beta blockers like propranolol (Inderal), and electrical cardioversion are additional treatments for people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
Interactions
Drug interactions with Cardizem are possible. Your doctor needs to carefully monitor all of your medications to prevent interactions. Tell your doctor about all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins or herbal supplements you may be taking. Without first consulting your doctor, never start or stop taking any medications.
Cardizem and Alcohol
Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking Cardizem. The possibility of Cardizem's side effects can be increased by alcohol.
Cardizem and Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice should not be consumed while taking Cardizem. Cardizem's side effects can be made more severe by grapefruit juice, which can raise the concentration of the drug in your blood.
Cardizem and Pregnancy
Cardizem is a pregnancy drug of category C. Thus, two things follow:
Animal studies have demonstrated harmful effects on the fetus when the mother uses the medication. How the medication might impact the fetus hasn't been thoroughly studied in humans.
Only if your doctor has determined that the advantages outweigh the risks should you take Cardizem. Cardizem during pregnancy may have harmful side effects for the unborn child.