Cardizem LA is a calcium channel blocker made up of diltiazem. We carry both the brand name Cardizem LA in 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg, and 360mg.

Cardizem LA is medication used to prevent angina (chest pain) and treat hypertension (high blood pressure).  The blood inside your body carries oxygen which is essential for heart muscle function and when there is a lack of oxygen, angina occurs. The main cause of this occurrence is coronary artery disease.  Hypertension can be caused by a number of factors ranging from personal decisions like smoking, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol consumption to factors out of your control such as aging, genetics and diseases like kidney and thyroid problems. Hypertension and angina can both lead to serious conditions like strokes and heart attacks, which can sometimes be fatal. This medication can be used on its own or with other medications and has a wide variety of release methods, which we also have available here at MyDrugCenter!

The diltiazem inside Cardizem LA works to prevent hypertension and angina by causing the blood vessels in your body to relax and widen. When you have hypertension, they are narrow which does not allow for easy blood flow. When they are relaxed, the blood flows much more smoothly thus reducing blood pressure. Diltiazem also helps your heart so it doesn’t have to work as hard by reducing the strain, it does this by lowering the heart rate.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Do not take more or less of a dose than recommended by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.

Do not crush, chew or break this medication.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Ensure you are taking this medication regularly in order to get the full benefit. You also are suggested to regularly get blood tests done while using Cardizem LA.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication before consulting your doctor. You could worsen your condition by doing so.

You should store Cardizem LA at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do not use this medication if ANY of the following apply to you:

If you have very low blood pressure. This medication is used to treat high blood pressure which means it will lower blood pressure when used. You risk lowering your already very low pressure even more. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness and can also cause injury if you end up fainting. Additionally, it can cause damage to your heart and brain.

If you have a serious heart condition and do not use a pacemaker. Conditions such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block". This medication affects the heart rate and could cause a negative reaction with these conditions.

If you have recently had a heart attack and you have a build-up of fluid in your lungs. Cardizem LA could worsen your condition by slowing down your heart.

Make sure to tell your doctor about the following if they apply to you:

Kidney disease – This medication has a small chance of damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys and could worsen the condition.

Liver Disease – This medication can cause a slight increase in liver enzymes and cause more damage to the liver.

Use of digoxin or beta blocker – You may need a dose adjustment as this medication can increase the amount of digoxin (or beta blockers) in your system, which can cause unwanted reactions.

Cardizem LA has not yet been established as safe for pregnant women. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or consult your doctor to find out the risks. Cardizem LA has been established as harmful to nursing babies. Do not breast feed while using Cardizem LA. Seniors may have an increased chance of side effects. This medication has not approved for the use of those under the age of 18 years old.

Side effects are not always present in everyone. Others are more sensitive to side effects while they could be mild for others. If side effects ever become too much to handle, contact your doctor right away.

Common side effects of Cardizem LA may include:

dizziness, weakness; headache; nausea; or rash.

Serious side effects of Cardizem LA may include:

slow heartbeats; pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or fainting;

Signs to watch for:

heart problems - shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

What is Cardizem LA?

So exactly what is Diltiazem? This medication is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and to prevent a chest pain called angina. So how does Diltiazem work?  By lowering your blood pressure you can prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. And when used on a regular basis this medication can decrease the frequency and severity of episodes of the chest pain known as Angina.  Cardizem LA is what is known as a calcium channel blocker. When taken, it goes to work by relaxing the blood vessels in the body so the blood can flow more easily. It is also known to lower your heart rate, which gives the effect of lowering your blood pressure and allowing your heart to work a little less so it is not pumping so hard. This medication comes in five different strengths which are 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg, and 360mg, and it is known as Tiazac XC on an international level. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.          

What not to take with Cardizem LA?

Some medications can affect the removal of Cardizem LA from the body, which in turn affects how the medication works. Such examples include; St. John's wort, azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifamycins including Rifabutin and Rifampin. This is just to name a few. Your doctor may also recommend not to drink any grapefruit juice or to eat any grapefruits while on this medication. You should speak with your doctor about any current medications you are taking and if there is any kind of diet you should follow while on Cardizem LA.

Who makes Cardizem LA?

This medication is produced by a company known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals whom are a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company. They are based out of Laval, Canada. They develop, manufacture, and market pharmaceutical products across the world. Most which are branded generic drugs used for skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, eye health, and neurology.

How long does Cardizem LA stay in your system?

Generally, it is know that 50% of the effect remains even after 24 hours have past.  Therefore this medication may be in your system for up to 24 to 48 hours. As for exactly how long does it take for Diltiazem to work? The medication usually begins to take effect around the three to six hour mark.

What are the side effects of Cardizem LA?

Most medications do have some common side effects, and Cardizem is not an exception. So what are the side effects of Cardizem LA? Some of the more common ones are listed as follows; Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, tired feeling, nausea, upset stomach, flushing, headache, constipation, sore throat, couch or a stuffy nose. Keep in mind that these are not all of the side effects listed for this medication, and if you are experiencing any of these be sure to inform your doctor if they persist or worsen.