Generic Cardizem (Diltiazem)

Introduction

Cardizem is a brand-name formulation whose active ingredient is diltiazem, a calcium-channel blocker supplied in oral tablet form. The medication is marketed for the treatment of hypertension, chronic stable angina, and certain supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Available tablet strengths are 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, and 180 mg. Diltiazem belongs to the non-dihydropyridine subclass of calcium antagonists, which exerts vascular smooth-muscle relaxation and cardiac conduction modulation. In addition to its approved uses, clinicians occasionally employ diltiazem off-label for conditions like Raynaud’s phenomenon or migraine prophylaxis, though such applications are not formally sanctioned by regulatory agencies.

What is Cardizem?

Cardizem is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound diltiazem. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Diltiazem was first introduced in the early s and is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies worldwide; the specific product referenced here corresponds to the standard immediate-release tablet formulation. The drug is classified as a non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker and is listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) as a prescription-only medication for adult use.

How Cardizem Works

Diltiazem inhibits the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and the myocardial conduction system. By reducing intracellular calcium, the drug causes peripheral arterial dilation, lowering systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. In the heart, diltiazem slows atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction, decreasing heart rate and contractility, which alleviates myocardial oxygen demand and stabilizes abnormal electrical rhythms. The onset of action after oral administration typically occurs within 30-60 minutes, with a half-life of roughly 3 hours for the immediate-release tablets, allowing for multiple daily dosing if required.

Conditions Treated with Cardizem

• Hypertension - Diltiazem reduces systemic vascular resistance, making it an effective monotherapy or component of combination therapy for elevated blood pressure.
• Chronic Stable Angina - By decreasing myocardial oxygen consumption through heart-rate reduction and vasodilation, the drug relieves chest pain associated with fixed coronary artery disease.
• Supraventricular Arrhythmias - Diltiazem’s AV-node blockade is useful for rate control in atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

The drug’s efficacy in these indications is supported by FDA-approved labeling and large randomized controlled trials comparing diltiazem with other antihypertensive and anti-anginal agents.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Cardizem

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon - Small clinical series have reported improvement in digital blood flow when diltiazem is administered at low doses. Evidence remains limited, and the indication lacks formal regulatory approval.
• Migraine Prophylaxis - Some neurologic studies suggest that calcium-channel blockade can reduce migraine frequency, though diltiazem is not a first-line preventive therapy.
• Pulmonary Hypertension - Experimental use in early-phase trials has explored diltiazem’s impact on pulmonary vascular resistance; outcomes are inconclusive.

These off-label applications should only be pursued under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, as safety and efficacy have not been definitively established by the FDA, EMA, or comparable authorities.

Is Cardizem the Right Medication for You?

Cardizem is appropriate for adult patients who require blood-pressure reduction, angina relief, or heart-rate control in atrial arrhythmias, provided they have no contraindications. Ideal candidates include individuals with:

• Mild to moderate hypertension not adequately controlled by lifestyle measures.
• Documented stable angina pectoris where heart-rate control is desired.
• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or flutter requiring rate moderation.

Contraindications include severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, second- or third-degree AV block without a pacemaker, sick sinus syndrome, and known hypersensitivity to diltiazem or related calcium-channel blockers. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, severe renal dysfunction, or recent myocardial infarction, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache - Often transient during dose titration.
• Peripheral edema - Due to vasodilation of arterioles; may worsen with high-salt diets.
• Flushing - Resulting from peripheral blood-vessel dilation.

Rare

• Hypotension - Particularly when combined with other antihypertensives or after a missed dose is taken.
• Bradycardia - May require dosage reduction or temporary discontinuation.
• Gingival hyperplasia - Uncommon but reported in prolonged therapy.

Serious

• Heart block - Complete AV block can occur in patients with pre-existing conduction disease.
• Congestive heart failure exacerbation - Negative inotropic effect may precipitate decompensation.
• Liver injury - Elevated transaminases have been observed; monitor hepatic function in long-term use.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Beta-blockers - Additive effects on heart rate and AV conduction; concurrent use may necessitate dose adjustments.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) - Increase diltiazem plasma concentrations, raising risk of toxicity.
• Digoxin - Diltiazem can raise serum digoxin levels; monitor therapeutic range.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Grapefruit juice - Inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism, potentially elevating systemic exposure; avoid consumption within two hours of dosing.
• High-fat meals - May slightly delay absorption but do not significantly alter overall exposure.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard oral dosing for adults follows FDA-approved ranges:

• Hypertension: 30 mg once daily, titrated up to 120 mg daily as needed; some regimens split the total dose into twice-daily administration.
• Angina: 60-120 mg three times daily, or 120-180 mg once daily depending on formulation and patient tolerance.
• Atrial fibrillation rate control: 60 mg twice daily, with possible increase to 120 mg twice daily based on heart-rate response.

When a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

In the event of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include severe hypotension, marked bradycardia, or syncope. Supportive care-intravenous fluids, atropine, or temporary pacing-may be required under clinical supervision.

Patients should swallow tablets whole with a glass of water; food does not significantly affect absorption. Alcohol consumption should be limited, as it can potentiate blood-pressure-lowering effects and increase drowsiness. Operating heavy machinery or driving is discouraged until the individual’s response to the medication is known.

FAQ

• **Can I travel internationally with Cardizem? Diltiazem tablets may be carried in a personal medication bag, accompanied by a physician’s note if required. Check destination customs regulations, as some countries have restrictions on calcium-channel blockers.

• **Does Cardizem interact with over-the-counter antihistamines? Most non-sedating antihistamines have minimal interaction, but sedating agents such as diphenhydramine may increase drowsiness when combined with diltiazem.

• **What does the tablet look like? Immediate-release Cardizem tablets are round, bicolored, and imprint the strength (e.g., “30” for 30 mg). Inactive ingredients include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate.

• **Is there a generic version of Cardizem sold in Europe? Yes, the same active compound, diltiazem, is marketed in numerous European countries under various generic labels, complying with EU pharmacopoeial standards.

• **How should Cardizem be stored in a humid climate? Store tablets in a dry, temperature-controlled environment (15-30 °C). Protect from moisture by keeping the container tightly closed and using a desiccant packet if provided.

• **Can Cardizem affect laboratory drug tests? Routine urine drug screens do not detect diltiazem. However, specialized assays may identify the compound in therapeutic drug monitoring contexts.

• **Is Cardizem safe for patients with mild liver disease? Mild hepatic impairment generally does not require dose modification, but clinicians should monitor liver enzymes periodically, especially during long-term therapy.

• **What is the difference between Cardizem and other calcium-channel blockers like amlodipine? Diltiazem primarily affects cardiac conduction and has a more pronounced negative-inotropic effect, whereas amlodipine is a dihydropyridine agent that mainly causes peripheral vasodilation with limited heart-rate impact.

• **Does the timing of the dose (morning vs. evening) matter? For hypertension, dosing in the morning aligns with circadian blood-pressure patterns, but some patients benefit from split dosing to maintain steadier plasma levels.

• **Can I use Cardizem in combination with dietary supplements? Certain supplements, such as St. John’s wort (a CYP3A4 inducer), may reduce diltiazem efficacy, while calcium-rich antacids can slightly decrease absorption; spacing the supplement at least two hours apart from the tablet mitigates interaction.

Glossary

Calcium-channel blocker

A class of medications that inhibit calcium influx into cardiac and smooth-muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility.

AV node

The atrioventricular node; a cluster of cardiac tissue that regulates the electrical signal from the atria to the ventricles.

Half-life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %; for immediate-release diltiazem, this is approximately 3 hours.

Buying Cardizem from Our Online pharmacy

Patients who encounter barriers to obtaining diltiazem through conventional channels can acquire Cardizem via our online pharmacy. The service emphasizes three core advantages:

• Affordability - Prices are set close to the manufacturing cost, providing a cost-effective alternative to brand-name products.
• Verified Quality - All tablets are sourced from licensed, inspected suppliers that comply with FDA and international Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Secure, Discreet Delivery - Packages are shipped in unmarked containers, with optional express delivery (approximately 7 days) or standard airmail (about 3 weeks).

Our platform functions as a pharmacy-broker, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies to expand access to medications that may be scarce or priced higher in local markets. The process respects patient privacy at each step, offering a confidential solution for individuals seeking reliable generic diltiazem without compromising safety or legality.

Disclaimer

The details presented about Cardizem serve solely as general educational information and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label considerations, must be made under the guidance of a qualified health-care provider. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy supplies Cardizem to individuals who may experience limited access through standard pharmacy channels or who are looking for affordable generic options. Prior to starting, altering, or stopping any medication, always consult a qualified health professional.