Cardizem® Tablets for Hypertension and Angina

What Cardizem Is and How It Works

This prescription medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain. Many patients receive diltiazem for hypertension or chronic angina. Order from CanadianInsulin with US shipping from Canada and cash-pay options that may fit budgets without insurance.

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Cardizem® reduces calcium entry into heart and vascular smooth muscle cells. The treatment relaxes arterial muscle, which lowers systemic vascular resistance. It also slows conduction through the atrioventricular node, which can help control heart rate in certain supraventricular rhythms. Lower vascular tone and moderated heart rate can reduce myocardial oxygen demand and improve exercise tolerance in stable angina.

Blood pressure reduction is a core outcome for this class. For condition education and self-monitoring guidance, see our resource on Hypertension. For chest pain related content, review Angina.

Who It’s For

Clinicians prescribe diltiazem hydrochloride to adults for hypertension and chronic stable or vasospastic angina. Certain extended-release formulations are also used to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Immediate-release forms may be preferred for some rhythm indications under specialist care.

Do not use this medicine if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug. Avoid it in patients with sick sinus syndrome or second- or third-degree AV block unless a functioning pacemaker is present. It may be inappropriate after an acute myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion, or with severe hypotension. People with advanced hepatic or renal impairment require close monitoring. For rhythm-specific information, see Atrial Fibrillation.

Dosage and Usage

The dosing schedule depends on the formulation. Immediate-release tablets are typically taken multiple times daily. Extended-release products are generally taken once daily. Swallow extended-release forms whole; do not crush or chew.

Take the medicine at the same time each day to support steady levels. Some products can be taken with or without food; follow the patient information for your exact product. Avoid grapefruit juice due to possible pharmacokinetic interactions. If your prescriber changes the formulation or strength, follow the new label closely and discard any leftover outdated tablets.

Extended-release options include diltiazem er given as a once-daily regimen when appropriate. Because label specifics vary by brand and dosage form, defer to the official package insert and your clinician’s instructions for exact directions.

Strengths and Forms

This treatment is available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules or tablets. Commonly prescribed strengths include diltiazem 120 mg in once-daily capsules. Another frequent option is an extended-release capsule at 180 mg. Availability may vary by manufacturer and pharmacy.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Return to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. For once-daily extended-release forms, try to take the medicine at a consistent time each day.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in a dry place at room temperature in the original child-resistant container. Protect from moisture and excessive heat. Keep medicines out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that are chipped, cracked, or show signs of damage.

For travel, carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription and your prescriber’s contact information. Keep it in the original labeled container to ease security checks. Build in extra doses for unexpected delays. If you cross time zones, ask your clinician or pharmacist how to maintain a safe schedule. Our checkout uses encrypted checkout to protect your information.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Not applicable. This product is supplied as oral tablets or capsules and does not use an injector or pen device.

Benefits

This medicine helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which can lower cardiovascular workload. It can also reduce the frequency of effort-induced chest pain by improving myocardial oxygen supply-demand balance. For some patients, once-daily dosing improves adherence compared with multiple daily doses.

As a diltiazem generic, the treatment offers a cost-conscious option while maintaining the same active ingredient as brand versions. Extended-release formats may simplify routines, especially for individuals managing several medications.

Side Effects and Safety

• Edema: ankle or foot swelling can occur with vasodilation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: more likely when standing quickly
• Headache and flushing: often transient with initiation
• Nausea, dyspepsia, or constipation: usually mild
• Fatigue: may lessen as your body adjusts

Serious effects are uncommon but can include bradycardia, atrioventricular block, hypotension, or worsening heart failure symptoms. Rare hepatic injury and dermatologic reactions have been reported. Seek urgent help for fainting, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, or swelling involving the face or tongue. People on concurrent beta-blockers require careful monitoring due to additive effects on heart rate and conduction.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

This medicine is metabolized by CYP3A4 and can inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. Potent inhibitors or inducers may alter exposure. Use caution with statins metabolized by CYP3A4. Beta-blockers, amiodarone, and digoxin can increase bradycardia or conduction effects. Avoid grapefruit juice. Alcohol can affect certain immediate-release products. Tell your clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and herbals you use.

People with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, severe hepatic disease, or marked hypotension may not be candidates. Discuss risks if pregnant or nursing. For fast rhythm topics beyond atrial fibrillation, your clinician may also discuss supraventricular tachycardia management.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood pressure changes may be seen after steady daily use, with stabilization as your regimen is maintained. Angina frequency can lessen as vascular tone improves and heart rate is controlled. Your prescriber may adjust the dose or formulation based on response and tolerability.

Take tablets at the same time daily, and do not stop suddenly without medical advice. Combine therapy with lifestyle measures recommended for heart health. For broader context on blood pressure care, review our article Managing Hypertension. You can also learn about ACE inhibitor support strategies in Altace and Blood Pressure.

Compare With Alternatives

In the same class, verapamil is another non-dihydropyridine that emphasizes rate control and may be considered by your prescriber when clinically appropriate. See our product page for Verapamil to understand class similarities and warnings.

Dihydropyridine agents primarily reduce vascular resistance with less AV nodal effect. As an example, review the calcium channel blocker Nifedipine for overview details your clinician may compare during selection.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin lists current options so you can review diltiazem price without creating an account. US patients can order with Canadian pricing and fulfillment that Ships from Canada to US. Add your product to the cart, upload your prescription, and proceed to secure checkout.

If you prefer savings alerts, check our Promotions page for periodic site offers. You can also look for a valid diltiazem coupon when available. Final amounts vary by strength, manufacturer, and quantity.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and formulation. If a particular presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative or a different release form. We do not provide specific restock dates.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults needing a calcium channel blocker for blood pressure control, angina prevention, or rate control under specialist guidance. It may not suit those with significant bradyarrhythmias or severe hypotension. Discuss your full cardiac history and all therapies before starting.

To lower out-of-pocket expense, consider multi-month fills when your prescriber agrees. Align refills with other prescriptions to reduce separate fees. Set calendar reminders so you never run short during travel or holidays. Compare package sizes for the best per-unit value, and keep your prescriber informed about any side effects that affect adherence.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Primary goal: blood pressure, angina, or rate control?
• Formulation choice: immediate-release vs extended-release?
• Food and timing: take with meals or consistently without food?
• Monitoring plan: home blood pressure and pulse targets?
• Interaction risks: beta-blockers, statins, or grapefruit juice?
• When to seek help: signs of low heart rate or swelling?

Authoritative Sources

For complete prescribing information, consult the FDA label on DailyMed; see details at the official DailyMed Diltiazem Monographs with sections on dosing and safety.

Manufacturer labeling provides formulation-specific instructions and warnings; refer to the current professional documents provided by brand holders, such as the FDA Labeling Database for access to approved text.

Health Canada maintains a database of authorized products; search the Drug Product Database for Diltiazem to review Canadian product entries and status.

Order from CanadianInsulin for convenient access and prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.