What is Cardizem
DiltiazemThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDiltiazem is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. It works by blocking the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, which relaxes the muscles and lowers blood pressure. It is typically available in both oral and intravenous forms, and is sold under the brand names Cardizem and Tiazac. It is also used off-label for various conditions, such as anal fissures, migraine prevention, pulmonary hypertension, and rest-related cramps.
Cardizemis the brand name
Cardizem Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Cardizem
Diltiazem
1982
656
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Diltiazem, commonly known as Cardizem, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses which include Hypertensive disease and Coronary Artery Vasospasm .Hypertensive disease
Helps manage High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Coronary Artery Vasospasm
Helps manage Coronary Artery Vasospasm
Anginal Pain
Helps manage Anginal Pain
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
Helps manage Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
Effectiveness
How Cardizem Affects PatientsDiltiazem is a medication used to lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels, which helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. It works by blocking certain calcium channels, which decreases the force and rate of the heartbeat. It also reduces the amount of pressure in the blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow. Diltiazem is most effective in people with high blood pressure, and studies have shown that it can reduce diastolic blood pressure by up to 8.6 mmHg. Additionally, it has been shown to increase exercise tolerance and reduce the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients.
How Cardizem works in the bodyDiltiazem works by blocking the slow calcium channels in the heart and blood vessels, which helps to reduce the amount of calcium entering the cells. This lowers the amount of calcium in the cells and helps the muscles in the heart and blood vessels to relax, lowering blood pressure. It also lowers the heart rate and oxygen demand, reducing the symptoms of chronic stable angina.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Cardizem is contingent upon the diagnosed state, for example prophylaxis of migraine headaches, Fissure;Anal and Anginal Pain. The portion of dosage also deviates as per the method of administration recorded in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hypertensive disease
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Anginal Pain
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Proteinuria
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Pulmonary Hypertension
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Coronary Artery Spasm
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
prophylaxis of migraine headaches
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Diabetic Neuropathy
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Fissure;Anal
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Dilated Cardiomyopathies, Idiopathic
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Atrial Fibrillation
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Angina Pectoris, Variant
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Flutter, Atrial
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
leg cramps
120.0 mg, 180.0 mg, , 90.0 mg, 300.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg, 420.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 0.83 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL
, Capsule, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Tablet, extended release, Injection, solution, Tablet, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, coated, Capsule, coated, extended release - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Intravenous, Capsule, coated, extended release, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid - Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Tablet, film coated, Injection - Intravenous, Injection, Powder, for solution - Intravenous
Warnings
Cardizem has a decalogue of contraindications, so it should not be amalgamated with the conditions in the table below.Cardizem ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Heart Attack
Do Not Combine
Hypotension
Do Not Combine
absence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker
Do Not Combine
Atrial Fibrillation
Do Not Combine
absence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker
Do Not Combine
Ventricular Tachycardia
Do Not Combine
Shock, Cardiogenic
Do Not Combine
sinus shock syndrome
Do Not Combine
Pulmonary Congestion
Do Not Combine
accessory bypass tract
Do Not Combine
Common Cardizem Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Diltiazem.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Diltiazem.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Diltiazem.
Alfentanil
Major
The metabolism of Alfentanil can be decreased when combined with Diltiazem.
Amifostine
Major
Diltiazem may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.
Cardizem Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of diltiazem in mice is between 415 and 740mg/kg, and in rats is between 560 and 810mg/kg. The toxic dose in dogs is over 50mg/kg, and 360mg/kg has been fatal to monkeys. Overdoses of diltiazem have been reported with doses ranging from less than 1g to 18g. Symptoms of overdose include slow heart rate, low blood pressure, heart block, and heart failure which can cause lightheadedness and fatigue. Treatment for overdose includes supportive care, vomiting, activated charcoal, atropine, isoproterenol,
Cardizem Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cardizem?
228 active clinical trials are underway to assess the efficacy of Cardizem in providing relief of Atrial Fibrillation, Coronary Artery Spasm and Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pulmonary Hypertension
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 4, Not Applicable
Proteinuria
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4
Anginal Pain
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Atrial Fibrillation
163 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1
Diabetic Neuropathy
24 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1
Flutter, Atrial
0 Actively Recruiting
Fissure;Anal
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Angina Pectoris, Variant
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
21 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Coronary Artery Spasm
0 Actively Recruiting
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
prophylaxis of migraine headaches
0 Actively Recruiting
Dilated Cardiomyopathies, Idiopathic
0 Actively Recruiting
leg cramps
0 Actively Recruiting
Cardizem Reviews: What are patients saying about Cardizem?
5Patient Review
5/7/2014 This was used in ER to lower my heart rate. So far, it's been five months and I've only had one attack.
5Patient Review
12/12/2018 I've been on this generic medication for six months and just visited my cardiologist. I'm very pleased with the results- my blood pressure is now 136/76 and my pulse is 67. There have been no side effects that I'm aware of, so I would highly recommend this to others.
4.7Patient Review
10/15/2015 These pills have been instrumental in managing my chest pain at night. I was unable to sleep for weeks before taking this medication, but now I'm able to get a full night's rest.
3.7Patient Review
11/1/2016 I take 120 mg of this medication to help control my high blood pressure. I have found that if I take it at night, I wake up feeling faint and lightheaded. These symptoms subside by noon; however, this is still better than the other medications (Ace Inhibitors and Valsartan) that I've taken in the past.
3.7Patient Review
12/28/2019 I have experienced a number of concerning side effects since starting this medication, including but not limited to: excessive nosebleeds, an embarrassing cough, fatigue and insomnia, swollen legs, and dizzy spells. My doctor does not seem to be taking my complaints seriously.
3.7Patient Review
10/3/2019 I have found it difficult to adjust to this medication. I experience lightheadedness, muscle fatigue, heavy legs and falls, headaches, a runny nose, cough, muscle aches, and nausea. It has really impacted my lifestyle negatively.
3Patient Review
12/15/2013 I experienced dry mouth and headaches after taking this medication.
2.7Patient Review
10/1/2013 I had some really bad headaches even when I was taking the minimal dosage.
2.3Patient Review
4/24/2013 I had to go to the ER after taking this medicine because it caused my heart rate to drop too low. I also experienced weakness, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. If you have any problems with this medicine, make sure to tell your doctor so they can prescribe something different.
2.3Patient Review
8/25/2015 I was really tired all the time, developed itchy sores, and began having very strange dreams. Additionally, I sweat a lot more than usual.
2Patient Review
8/13/2014 Cardizem has unfortunately given me some very unpleasant side effects, including leg swelling and heaviness, as well as joint and muscle pain. I'm going to speak with my doctor about changing medications soon.
2Patient Review
4/28/2013 My feet swelled to three times their normal size, I had bruises all over my body, and an abnormal rash on my penis that caused bleeding. As a heart transplant patient, you would think doctors would be more careful about potential interactions between drugs. It's a shame medical care has gotten this bad.
1.3Patient Review
5/10/2015 Unfortunately, this caused me to cough a lot.
1Patient Review
10/1/2017 The initial dizziness was so bad that it sent me back to the ER. The doctors told me "I'll adjust," but instead I experienced extreme fatigue and some balance disturbance. WORST: This medication is probably inappropriate for my condition. I was NOT experiencing angina, BP was not "elevated" but yo-yoing: 40 bpm to 120 bpm; back down, back up etc. Wait TWO MONTHS for Holder evaluation? On this stuff?
Patient Q&A Section about cardizem
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does Cardizem do for AFIB?
"The Calcium Channel antagonism decreases the ability of the SAN node to set the pace of the heart, and also decreases the conduction of electrical signals through the AV node. This makes it a useful medication for treating atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardias."
Answered by AI
Is Cardizem a good blood pressure medicine?
"Cardizem is a medication that prevents the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to the relaxation of the muscles. It is used to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, either on its own or in combination with other medications."
Answered by AI
Is Cardizem a beta blocker?
"Cardizem and Lopressor are two separate types of drugs. Cardizem works by blocking calcium channels, while Lopressor is a beta-blocker."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Cardizem used for?
"Diltiazem is used to lower high blood pressure and prevent chest pain. By lowering blood pressure, it helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. When used regularly, diltiazem can decrease the number and severity of episodes of chest pain."
Answered by AI