Cardizem

Other Names: Diltiazem, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Dilt, Diltia XT, Taztia XT, Tiazac.

Commonly Prescribed For: Cardizem is generally prescribed for treating high blood pressure. This medication can also be used for controlling chest pain. It is commonly used with other medications.

How to Take it: Cardizem is available in the form of a tablet, an extended-release capsule and as long-acting tablet to be taken via mouth. This medication is generally taken 3 or 4 times every day. Do not chew or crush the extended-release capsule, instead swallow the tablets entirely. Take Cardizem as prescribed, around the same time daily.

How it Works: Cardizem belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium-channel blockers. It relaxes the blood vessels; so that the heart doesn’t require pumping vary hard. This medication is said to increase supple of blood to the heart.

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include dizziness or lightheadedness, cough, feeling of warmth, nasal congestion, headache, constipation, weakness, diarrhea and slow heartbeat. Some serious side effects include severity of chest pain, inflammation of the face, hands, or lower legs, flu-like symptoms, difficulty breathing or swallowing, loss of appetite, fainting, lack of energy, rash, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing of the skin and extreme tiredness.