Cardizem LA (Diltiazem HCL)

Do’s

• Before starting Cardizem LA, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose of Cardizem LA and may gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 7 to 14 days.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Take Cardizem LA by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. 
• Keep taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
• Cardizem LA must be taken regularly to prevent angina 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. 
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or worsen, such as if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, or if your chest pain worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the tablets to avoid releasing the entire drug at once, which could 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
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Rash
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Slower heart rate
• Pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation at the injection site
• Swelling
• Infections, flu symptoms
• Trouble breathing
• Photosensitivity (including lichenoid keratosis and hyperpigmentation at sun-exposed skin areas)
• Purpura
• Retinopathy
• Myopathy
• Thrombocytopenia
• Gingival hyperplasia
• Hemolytic anemia
• Increased bleeding time
• Leukopenia
• Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
• Allergic reactions
• Alopecia
• Angioedema (including facial or periorbital edema)
• Asystole
• Erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Extrapyramidal symptoms
• Myocardial infarction

Serious Side Effects:

• Serious allergic reactions, including rash, itching/swelling
• Nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
• Fainting
• New or worsening symptoms

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and other effects may occur. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and to report any side effects you may be experiencing.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to diltiazem, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Cardizem LA.

Certain types of abnormal heart rhythms may contraindicate the use of Cardizem LA. Consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure about the specific types of abnormal heartbeats.

Inform your healthcare provider about all your current medications, including prescription or over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any existing health problems. This is essential to ensure the safety of taking Cardizem LA alongside your other medications and health conditions.

The information provided here is a general overview. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and specific instructions tailored to your individual needs.