Cardizem

Cardizem questions and answers

Learn more about Cardizem.

Q: How long after stopping Cardizem LA will symptoms return?
21 year old male. Prescribed Cardizem LA for tachardia and have been taking it for 3 weeks. However...the doctor thinks that the tachardia was due to cocaine use and that the tachardia should not return. I am stopping the medication tonight...if the symptoms return...how long should i expect it to take before the symptoms resurface? The doctor said to call him back if the symptoms return. I am on a 180 mg dose.

A: A 360 mg dose of Cardizem LA has a half life of approximately 6 to 9 hours. So in the next day, the effects of cardizem will be negligible. Hope it helps some.

Q: What cold medications are safe to take while on cardizem?
I have a cough, runny nose and sore throat. I have tried Tylenol for the pain, but with all the warnings that come with this drug I have no idea what is okay to take and what isn't. Thanks!

A: The best thing to do is contact the Doctor who prescribed Cardizem and ask them what he/she recommends. There may be other health factors involved.

Q: What is Cardizem ER and what does it do? What side effects?
I want to know everything I can about this medication.

A: There is an Cardizem CD and LA but not an ER. A cardiac medicine that is used for chronic stable angina. vasospastic angina, hypertension and other heart conditions. SIde effects are listed in the drug sheets given to you with the med if you got it. Otherwise, serious reactions: slow heart beat AV block arrhythmias, low BP syncope, CHF, swelling, constipation, heartburn, rash, elevated liver enzymes. Google it and you will get more information on it. But beware the sites you use. Some are just plain wrong.

Q: I am taking a blood pressure medication called cardizem la...will it show up as an unknown in a drug test?
When I go to take my blood/urine drug test, I do not want to inform them that I am taking the cardizem la. If I take the drug test with the cardizem in my system, will it alert them that something is in my system?

A: I think if you are taking a pre-employment test, the test will be specific to street drugs and legal controlled substances, like narcotics and simulants, etc. Cardizem is a calcium channel blocker (I take it, too), which is not in any of these classes of drugs, so you should be all right. In fact, if this is a pre-employment drug test, I think it's illegal for you to be tested except for street drugs and legal controlled substances. I am going on memory here, so don't proceed solely on my answer, but I think with all the new regulations on privacy protection about health information (HIPAA) that the employer would be on some dangerous turf legally to peer into all of the non-psychotrophic meds that their workers are taking via a urine test. I also think that the way the labs do these tests they have to specifically test for things to find them. Doubtful your employer would want to pay extra for a test that would find this med, which is a really common blood pressure med. Hope that helps. PS to Mr. Know_ there is a lot of job discrimination in hiring for pre-existing health conditions, and this drug is used for high bp, heart disease, etc. This person may have a condition he's managing that he doesn't want his employer to know, and which they do not have a right to know if it doesn't affect his qualifications for the job, otherwise. But they could discriminate, if they think it will raise their health insurance premiums. BIG ISSUE in busienss today. Read up on that, if you're in the job market, yourself!

Q: anyone take cardizem for fast heart rate?
anyone take cardizem for fast heart rate with low b/p? did it work.? tell me your story and how you got well?the skipping and fast is soooooooo scary?wonder how fast it can beat with out stopping?

A: I took Cardizem 360 for two years and was okay with it to keep my blood pressure down. My resting heart rate is normally 60 and would drop into 50's with this med. I have episodes of Atrial Fib so I know what you mean about scary. As far as my meager mind knows; rapid heart rate is common and cardizem is one way Dr's. keep the episodes less frequent. Lastly, I found that eating cantaloupe, oranges and bananas for Potassium. Nuts for Magnesium and Yogurt for Calcium along with taking a mineral supplement reduces the likelihood of arrhythmia's.

Q: Cardizem LA. Have you ever come off of this medication and then had your symptoms come back?
Has anybody ever been on Cardizem LA...had your symptoms go away...and then your doctor pulled you off the medicine...only to have your symptoms come back? I was told I shouldnt have to take this medication forever. Was wondering what everyone else's experiences were.

A: Hi ST4 I dont know drugs, but I looked up the issue and it's for angina and HBP. The issue with drugs is that it suppresses the issue deeper into the body. I'm not so much concerned about the side effects because the suppression on the issue is much more detrimental. We are trained to take a pill and all is better, but we have to assist our bodies in letting nature heal the issue. Drugs surpress the issue and it's much more diffecult to heal the problem Here are some ideas on how to heal the heart. Causes of Heart Disease There are numerous causes of heart disease. These include poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, smoking, genetic predisposition, chronic infection, chronic inflammation, anxiety, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, obesity, stress, gum (periodontal) disease, mercury and other environmental toxins, poverty, and oxidized cholesterol. But the most important and usually undiagnosed cause of most types of heart disease is vulnerable plaque. Quick Action Plan for Preventing and Treating Heart Disease 1. Since up to 50 percent of heart disease cases can strike without any warning symptoms, it’s important to regularly be screened for signs of heart disease. In addition to conventional heart disease signals, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol and triglyceride levels, have your health care provider also screen you for markers such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, fibrinogen, lipoprotein(a), glucose, insulin, and iron. 2. Also be sure to be screened for vulnerable plaque, which is the primary cause of 85 percent of all cases of heart disease. Effective screening tools for vulnerable plaque include ultra-high-speed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and darkfield microscropy. 3. You should also be screened for infectious agents such as Chlamydia, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the herpes family of retroviruses 4. Oxidized cholesterol, rather than elevated cholesterol levels by themselves, is another primary factor in most cases of heart disease, and therefore should also be screened for. 5. A healthy diet is essential for a healthy heart. Emphasize a diet rich in organic whole foods, especially plenty of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, oats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and organic, free-range poultry and wild-caught, cold water fish, such as halibut, mackerel, orange roughy, and salmon (avoid farm raised salmon). Beans and legumes are also advisable due to their high fiber content. Throughout the day, drink plenty of pure, filtered water, and avoid drinking—as well as bathing, and showering in—unfiltered tap water, because tap water contains heavy metals and pesticide residues that can contribute to and worsen heart disease. Also be sure to regularly use healthy oils such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oils for the essential fatty acids they contain. 6. Useful nutritional supplements for protecting your heart include beta carotene; vitamins B3 (niacin), B6, B12, C, and E; folic acid; the minerals calcium, chromium, magnesium, potassium, and selenium; the amino acids L-arginine, L-lysine, L-proline, and L-carnitine; coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10); and proanthrocyanidin (PCA). 7. Useful herbs include foxglove, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginger, hawthorn berry, linden flower, and motherwort. 8. Be sure to engage in a regular exercise program that combines aerobic exercise and strength training. For best result, devote 30 minutes three times per week to aerobic exercise, and 45 minutes twice a week for strength training. 9. Learn how to properly manage stress. Useful stress reduction techniques include biofeedback training, meditation, and yoga. 10. If you smoke, stop immediately. Also avoid all exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, and minimize your exposure to environmental pollutants. Best of health to you

Q: I have had chest pain for about a week. I have high blood pressure and take lisinopril and cardizem.?
I think it is a pulled muscle though because if I move my muscle and arm just right no pain. My blood pressure and pulse has been a little higher than normal. What could it be?

A: It would be a really good idea to run this by YOUR physician. The one that prescribed the lisinopril and cardizem. It's probably musculoskeletal in origin, but since you already have cardiovascular issues, it might be wise to rule out a cardiac reason for your pain. I'm not talking about a million dollar workup, just a phone call to your doc. S/he might want to see you, or may just be able to reassure you by phone.

Q: does anyone take cardizem for fast heart rate?
does anyone take cadizem for fast heart rate or other medcations? do you have low blood preasure? why would they give me this with low blood presure?

A: I prescribe Cardizem quite often, and yes...sometimes for a fast heart rate. If you have "low blood pressure," then be sure to monitor it. At lower doses, Cardizem will mostly effect the heart rate, but not impact the blood pressure as much. I typically use a different medication for this called "Toprol XL." It is referred to as a beta-blocker. Good luck.

Q: Is cardizem causing blister like rash on face neck and chest?
I am taking cardizem, however, i have been getting these pimple/like rash on only my lower face /neck and chest start as a red sore dot, like a pimple, then they get a bit larger, crust over and take weeks to rid of. I have tried everything.. They go away, but leave a scar. HELP,

A: sounds like shingles a virus.Doctor should see this.

Q: What are the differences between Cardizem LA, Cardizem CD and Diltiazem HCL SA?


A: Cardizem LA, Cardizem CD and diltiazem HCl SA are essentially the same thing. They are used to treat high blood pressure, angina (cardiac chest pressure) and certain cardiac irregularities. Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), is the generic name for the drug. One company sells it as Cardizem CD, another as Cardizem LA. There is also a formulation callled Cardizem SR. Diltiazem is a three time a day medication unless it is formulated to be released slowly over 24 hours. When this is the case, it is once daily and bears the CD, LA, SR or SA designation. These stand for phrases like long-acting and slow release. Technically, there may be trivial distinctions between the different slow release mechanisms, but from a practical standpoint, they should be considered identical.

Q: Why can't you take anti-depressants with heart meds, such as Cardizem La?
Also can u have a couple drinks on Cardizem??

A: It's addicting and brings the BP down.

Q: what happens when a doctor prescribes cardizem to a 62 yr old man with normal blood pressure?
Had heart attack caused by cardizem

A: Brand name: Cardizem Pronounced: CAR-di-zem Generic name: Diltiazem hydrochloride Other brand names: Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Dilacor XR, Tiazac Why is this drug prescribed? Cardizem and Cardizem CD (a controlled release form of diltiazem) are used in the treatment of angina pectoris (chest pain usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart due to clogged arteries) and chronic stable angina (caused by exertion). Cardizem CD is also used to treat high blood pressure. Another controlled release form, Cardizem SR, is used only in the treatment of high blood pressure. Cardizem, a calcium channel blocker, dilates blood vessels and slows the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina. Doctors sometimes prescribe Cardizem for loss of circulation in the fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon), for involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia), and to prevent heart attack. Tiazac and Dilacor XR are used in the treatment of high blood pressure and chronic stable angina. They may be taken alone or combined with other blood pressure medications. What side effects may occur? Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Cardizem. •More common side effects may include: Abnormally slow heartbeat (more common with Cardizem SR and Cardizem CD), dizziness, fluid retention, flushing (more common with Cardizem SR and Cardizem CD), headache, nausea, rash, weakness •Less common or rare side effects may include: Abnormal dreams, allergic reaction, altered way of walking, amnesia, anemia, angina (severe chest pain), blood disorders, congestive heart failure, constipation, cough, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive urination at night, eye irritation, fainting, flu symptoms, hair loss, hallucinations, heart attack, high blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased output of pale urine, indigestion, infection, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pain, labored breathing, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, muscle cramps, nasal congestion or inflammation, nervousness, nosebleed, pain, personality change, pounding heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, reddish or purplish spots on skin, ringing in ears, sexual difficulties, skin inflammation/flaking or peeling, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, sore throat, taste alteration, thirst, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vision changes, vomiting, welts, weight increase

Q: Intense physical activity with Cardizem LA?
Is it ok to engage in intense physical activity while taking 180mg of cardizem?

A: It largely depends on your physical condition. You really need to discuss this with your cardiologist. He/She will be able to actually assess you and give you your guidelines. Without knowing your background or being able to physically assess you, it is something that would not be safe to advise you on here. I'm sorry this isn't what you are looking for, but I want patient safety. I want you to be safe and healthy, give the doc a call! Take care!!!

Q: is there danger of taking viagra and cardizem at the same time?
what is the side effects

A: That's a tough one and should be directed to your cardiologist since the cardizem can be taken for different reasons. Although, if you take them both together you could die with a big willie.

Q: Are there any herbal supplements or vitamins that are contraindicated when taking Cumadin and/or Cardizem?


A: Anything that thins your blood. Ginkgo and aspirin come to mind. Ask you doctor and/or pharmacist for more information. Also, read the patient information material you should have gotten when you 1st got your Rx.