If you have hypertension and your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication such as Cardizem, you can learn about its benefits and potential side effects before you start taking it.
Cardizem is the branded name of the generic drug called diltiazem, and this drug is a calcium channel blocker.
Drugs in this class work by preventing calcium from moving into the cells of the heart and blood vessels,
explains Mayo Clinic. This action helps relax the vessels and helps blood flow freely.
Cardizem is used commonly to treat high blood pressure, but it can also be prescribed to treat chest pain or angina.
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According to Drugs.com, this blood pressure medication may be just one component of an overall treatment program to control your blood pressure. Cardizem may be prescribed along with lifestyle modifications, exercise programs, special diets, and even other drugs.
The site advises patients to be extra careful when driving or doing anything that requires alert attention because Cardizem can impair thinking and affect your reaction time.
The most common side effects of Cardizem blood pressure medication include dizziness, feeling lightheaded, weakness, nausea, constipation, headache, and flushing.
WebMD says patients should rise from a seated or prone position slowly and with caution to lower the risk of dangerous dizzy spells.
Some side effects can signal serious problems or interactions with other drugs.
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Mayo Clinic recommends contacting your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects with Cardizem: sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, fever, runny nose, changes in your voice, or body aches and pains.
While the incidence is not known,
Mayo Clinic also explains that Cardizem has been associated with serious skin irritations.
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice blisters, skin ulcers, flakiness, loose skin, rashes, red skin lesions often with a purple center, or white spots in or around the mouth.
As with any blood pressure medication, you should tell your doctor about all of the other drugs you may be taking for other conditions to avoid possible negative interactions and further side effects.
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