Information for the patient: The following contains important information you should know about CARDIZEM CD (diltiazem HCl).  CARDIZEM CD is a brand name of the drug diltiazem.  It belongs to the group of drugs called “calcium channel blockers” or “calcium antagonists”. Your doctor may have prescribed CARDIZEM CD to help control hypertension (high blood pressure) and/or symptoms of angina (chest pain).  CARDIZEM CD relaxes the arteries (blood vessels), thereby lowering blood pressure.

Read the following carefully. It does not replace your doctor's or pharmacist's advice. They may have given you different instructions for your particular health condition. Be sure to follow their advice. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you take CARDIZEM CD you should tell your doctor the following:

·          If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

·          If you are breast-feeding.

·          About all health problems your have or have had in the past.

·          About all medicines you take including ones you can buy without a prescription.

·          If you visit more than one doctor, make sure each knows about all the medicines you are taking.

·          If you are allergic to non-medicinal substances like food products, preservatives or dyes, which may be present in CARDIZEM CD (see ingredients).

·          If you have ever had a bad, or unusual or allergic reaction to any drug containing diltiazem in the past.

CARDIZEM CD Ingredients: diltiazem HCl, acetyltributyl citrate, beeswax, Blue FD&C No.1, castor oil, cornstarch, ethylcellulose, fumaric acid, gelatin, polymethyl methacrylate, silica, simethicone, stearic acid, sucrose, talc, and titanium dioxide. The 300 mg capsules also contain iron oxide.

How to take CARDIZEM CD: Take CARDIZEM CD exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not miss doses or take extra doses, unless your doctor tells you. If you are not clear about the directions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

·          CARDIZEM CD capsules are taken once daily.

·          If you are unsure how often you should take your medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

·          The instructions your doctor gave you may be different from the above. Be sure to follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.

·          It is important to take CARDIZEM CD at about the same time every day.

·          If you miss a dose, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see what you should do.

·          CARDIZEM CD capsules are not to be chewed or crushed.

Side Effects: CARDIZEM CD, like any medication, may have some side effects. The most common side effects are: headache, peripheral edema (swelling of the ankles), dizziness, weakness, first degree AV block, bradycardia, heart arrhythmia (change in the rhythm of the heartbeat), flushing, nausea (feeling like vomiting), and rash. It is important that you keep your doctor informed of all side effects, especially if you experience one of the following side effects: dizziness, flushing, slowing or racing of the heart rate, and chest pain.

Medicines affect different people in different ways. Just because side effects have occurred in other patients does not mean you will get them. Discuss how you feel while taking CARDIZEM CD with your doctor or pharmacist.  Do not stop or restart CARDIZEM CD on your own.

Some precautions you should take:

·          Keep CARDIZEM CD out of sight and reach of children.

·          Do not give CARDIZEM CD to other patients because it may not be suitable for them.

·          Read your prescription label carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Storage: This drug should be stored at room temperature (15-30°C). Protect from light.

If you have additional questions about this product, please feel free to contact our Medical Information department toll free at (866)-825-8120 or via e-mail at MedInfo@Biovail.com. 

Last Revised: August 13, 2008

Product information on this page is intended for residents of Canada only. Residents of the U.S. should return to the User Profile Selection page and select accordingly.