Cardizem SR (Diltiazem SR)

Do’s

• Take Cardizem SR by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. Swallow the tablets whole.
• Your healthcare provider may gradually increase your dose based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Follow their instructions carefully.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. 
• Continue taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• If Cardizem SR is used for angina, it must be taken regularly to be effective and should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Other medications, such as nitroglycerin placed under the tongue, should be used to relieve an angina attack as directed by your healthcare provider.
• It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. If your condition does not improve or worsens, such as if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the tablets, as doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase the risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Body aches or pain
• Congestion
• Cough
• Dryness or soreness of the throat
• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Runny nose
• Edema
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Asthenia
• First-degree AV block
• Bradycardia
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Rash

Serious Side Effects:

• Acute generalized exanthematous pustular dermatitis
• Desquamative erythema with or without fever
• Allergic reactions
• Alopecia
• Angioedema (including facial or periorbital edema)
• Asystole
• Erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Extrapyramidal symptoms
• Gingival hyperplasia

Not all of these side effects may occur, and if they do, they may require medical attention. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and recommendations.

Cardizem SR should not be used if you are allergic to diltiazem hydrochloride or any of the ingredients listed in the leaflet. Allergic reactions may include asthma, swelling of the face, hives, itching, or fainting. Always check the ingredients to ensure safe use.

Avoid using Cardizem SR if you have certain types of abnormal heart rhythm, hypotension (low blood pressure), have had a heart attack or other heart-related complications, or have pulmonary congestion (fluid on the lungs).

Do not use Cardizem SR if you are currently taking specific medications such as dantrolene (muscle relaxant) or ivabradine (for heart failure/angina).

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line in case of an overdose. Overdose symptoms may include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, severe dizziness, or fainting.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cardizem SR, as it may lead to dose-related adverse effects. Also, avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort. Additionally, be cautious when getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, as this medication may cause dizziness. Avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how this medicine will affect you.