Cardizem 120 mg tablet

Need to understand Cardizem 120 mg tablets? Focus on dosage: Adults typically take 180-240 mg daily, divided into doses. Your doctor will personalize your prescription based on your specific health needs and response to the medication. Always follow their instructions precisely.

This medication, containing diltiazem, works by relaxing blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure and slowing your heart rate. This action benefits individuals with hypertension and certain heart conditions. Remember, consistent use is key to achieving optimal results.

Potential side effects include dizziness, headache, and nausea. These are often mild and temporary. However, severe side effects, such as swelling in your ankles or feet, or irregular heartbeat, require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Before starting Cardizem, inform your doctor about all your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications can interact negatively with diltiazem. This proactive approach ensures medication safety and efficacy.

This information serves as a concise overview and does not replace personalized medical advice. Consult your physician or pharmacist for a complete understanding of Cardizem 120 mg and its suitability for your individual circumstances. They can answer your specific questions and ensure you receive safe and effective treatment.

Cardizem 120 mg Tablet: A Comprehensive Guide

Consult your doctor before starting or altering Cardizem dosage. This medication lowers blood pressure and heart rate.

Dosage: Your physician will determine the appropriate dose based on your specific needs and health condition. Typical starting doses are lower than 120mg, and increases are gradual. Never adjust your dosage without medical supervision.

Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and nausea. More serious side effects, though rare, may include swelling in your ankles, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. Report any concerning symptoms immediately to your doctor.

Interactions: Cardizem interacts with several medications, including grapefruit juice, certain antibiotics, and some antidepressants. Provide your doctor with a complete list of your medications and supplements to avoid dangerous interactions.

Precautions: This medication isn’t suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor about any existing heart conditions, liver or kidney problems, or allergies before taking Cardizem. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should also be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Storage: Store Cardizem tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your physician or pharmacist for accurate information specific to your situation.

What is Cardizem 120 mg and How Does it Work?

Cardizem 120 mg is a tablet containing diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. This reduces blood pressure and slows your heart rate.

Specifically, diltiazem blocks calcium from entering the heart muscle cells and the smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls. Reduced calcium influx leads to less forceful contractions of the heart and relaxation of blood vessels. This dual action lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on your heart.

Doctors prescribe Cardizem 120 mg to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), and certain types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The dosage and duration of treatment depend on your individual health needs and response to the medication. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Remember, this information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist before starting or changing any medications.

Common Uses and Indications for Cardizem 120 mg

Cardizem 120 mg tablets primarily treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication effectively lowers blood pressure, reducing the strain on your heart and blood vessels. Regular use helps prevent serious health complications associated with hypertension.

Beyond hypertension, Cardizem 120 mg also finds application in managing angina. This chest pain, caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, responds well to Cardizem’s ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood supply. The resulting pain reduction improves the patient’s quality of life.

Cardizem 120 mg is sometimes prescribed for certain types of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps regulate the heart’s rhythm, restoring a more normal heartbeat. However, the specific arrhythmias treated with Cardizem vary, and individual responses differ. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Condition	Mechanism of Action	Expected Outcome
Hypertension	Dilates blood vessels, reducing blood pressure	Lower blood pressure, reduced risk of complications
Angina	Improves blood flow to the heart	Reduced chest pain, improved quality of life
Certain Arrhythmias	Regulates heart rhythm	More regular heartbeat

Remember: This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult your physician before starting or altering any medication regimen. Dosage and suitability depend on individual health conditions and factors.

Dosage and Administration Guidelines for Cardizem 120 mg

Cardizem 120 mg tablets are typically administered once or twice daily, depending on your individual needs and your doctor’s prescription. Always follow your doctor’s instructions precisely.

Swallowing the tablet whole with water is recommended. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.

Dosage adjustments are frequently necessary based on your response to treatment and potential side effects. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate closely to determine the optimal dosage.

Missed dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Never double up on doses.

Potential interactions exist with other medications. Be sure to inform your doctor of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, that you are currently taking.

Regular check-ups with your doctor are crucial for monitoring your treatment progress and making any necessary adjustments to your Cardizem dosage. They will assess your overall health and the effectiveness of the medication.

Side effects, such as dizziness and headaches, may occur. Contact your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

This information should not replace discussions with your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice regarding Cardizem 120 mg usage.

Potential Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Cardizem, like other medications, can cause side effects. These vary in severity and frequency. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, and nausea. You may also experience swelling in your ankles or feet (peripheral edema). Some individuals report a lightheaded feeling upon standing (orthostatic hypotension).

Less common, but still possible, are more serious reactions. These include heart rhythm problems (bradycardia, heart block), low blood pressure (hypotension), and liver problems. Rarely, Cardizem can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rash or itching. Severe allergic reactions, though infrequent, require immediate medical attention.

Important Note: This list isn’t exhaustive. Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Report any concerning symptoms promptly. Your doctor can help determine if your side effects are related to Cardizem and recommend appropriate management.

Specific side effects and their likelihood depend on factors like your dose, other health conditions, and individual sensitivity. Consult your physician or pharmacist for personalized guidance and a comprehensive risk assessment.

Drug Interactions with Cardizem 120 mg

Cardizem (diltiazem) interacts with many medications. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking. Failure to do so can lead to serious health problems.

Grapefruit Juice and Other Medications

Avoid grapefruit juice and grapefruit products. They significantly increase Cardizem levels in your blood, potentially causing dangerous side effects.

• Digoxin: Cardizem can increase digoxin levels. Your doctor may need to adjust your digoxin dose.
• Beta-blockers: Combining Cardizem with beta-blockers can excessively lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Careful monitoring is necessary.
• Statins: Concomitant use with certain statins may increase the risk of muscle problems (myopathy or rhabdomyolysis). Close monitoring is advised.
• Antibiotics (Macrolides and Quinolones): These can heighten the effects of Cardizem, necessitating careful dose adjustment.

Other Potential Interactions

1. Calcium channel blockers: Avoid other calcium channel blockers as the combined effects can be dangerously additive.
2. CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medications that inhibit CYP3A4, an enzyme involved in Cardizem metabolism, like ketoconazole, can raise Cardizem blood levels.
3. CYP3A4 Inducers: Conversely, medications inducing CYP3A4, like rifampin, can lower Cardizem levels, reducing its effectiveness.
4. Warfarin: Cardizem may increase bleeding risk if taken with warfarin.

Specific Recommendations

Your healthcare provider should regularly monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and other relevant parameters while you are on Cardizem, particularly when you start or stop other medications. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately. This information is not exhaustive and should not replace professional medical advice.

Precautions and Warnings for Cardizem 120 mg Use

Always inform your doctor about all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as interactions can occur. This is particularly important with other heart medications, blood thinners, and certain antibiotics.

Heart Conditions

Cardizem can worsen existing heart conditions like sick sinus syndrome or second or third-degree atrioventricular block. If you have a history of these conditions, discuss the risks with your doctor before starting Cardizem.

Liver and Kidney Function

Cardizem is processed by the liver and kidneys. Reduced liver or kidney function may necessitate a lower Cardizem dose to prevent accumulation and adverse effects. Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your individual needs.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Regularly monitor your blood pressure while taking Cardizem. Report any significant drops in blood pressure to your doctor immediately. Sudden, severe drops can be dangerous.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Cardizem can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Cardizem affects you.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Discuss the risks and benefits of using Cardizem during pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor. Cardizem may pass into breast milk and affect your baby.

Allergic Reactions

Stop taking Cardizem and seek immediate medical attention if you experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Grapefruit Interaction

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Cardizem. Grapefruit can increase Cardizem levels in your blood, leading to an increased risk of side effects.

Overdose and Emergency Procedures

If you suspect a Cardizem overdose, immediately call emergency services (911 in the US, or your local equivalent). Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Immediate Actions

• Provide the emergency operator with all relevant information: This includes the patient’s age, weight, the amount of Cardizem ingested, and the time of ingestion. Be prepared to answer questions about any other medications the patient is taking.
• Follow the emergency operator’s instructions carefully. They may guide you through initial first aid steps.
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals. This can be dangerous in some overdose situations.

Symptoms of Overdose

Cardizem overdose symptoms can vary, but may include:

• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe heart rhythm disturbances

The severity of these symptoms will depend on the amount of Cardizem ingested.

Hospital Treatment

Hospital treatment for Cardizem overdose usually focuses on supporting vital functions. This may include:

1. Intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure
2. Medications to increase heart rate
3. Monitoring of heart rhythm and blood pressure
4. Intensive care support, if necessary

Prevention

Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding Cardizem dosage and administration. Keep Cardizem out of reach of children and pets. Securely store your medication.

Further Information

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about Cardizem or its potential side effects.

How to Store Cardizem 120 mg Tablets Properly

Keep Cardizem 120 mg tablets in their original container. This protects them from moisture and light.

Store the medication at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Avoid extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or heat sources.

Do not store Cardizem in the bathroom or other humid areas. Excess moisture can degrade the medication.

Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. A locked cabinet is a good option.

Check the expiration date printed on the bottle. Discard any tablets that have expired.

If you notice any changes in the appearance of the tablets, such as discoloration or unusual odor, consult your pharmacist or doctor before using them.