Cardizem La Use Warnings

What may interact with Cardizem LA?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-cisapride
-hawthorn
-pimozide
-ranolazine
-red yeast rice
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-buspirone
-carbamazepine
-cimetidine
-cyclosporine
-digoxin
-local anesthetics or general anesthetics
-lovastatin
-medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping like midazolam and triazolam
-medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
-quinidine
-rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Cardizem LA?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

-heart attack
-heart disease
-irregular heartbeat or rhythm
-low blood pressure
-an unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem, other drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using Cardizem LA?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your health care provider what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this drug without asking your health care provider for advice. Some drugs may increase your blood pressure.
This drug may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the drug. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.