People's Pharmacy

Cardizem Sr

Generic Name:diltiazem

Other Brand Names: Cardizem CD, Dilacor XR, Tiazac.

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Side Effects and Interactions

Cardizem CD is usually well tolerated with few side effects, but some people react to this drug with fluid retention, leading to swelling of the legs, feet or hands.

Headache, dizziness, loss of strength, slowed heart rate, heart problems or flushing may also occur.

Other side effects include nausea, rash, constipation, increased blood sugar, sexual difficulties and depression.

The skin may be especially sensitive to sunburn, and precautions should be taken to avoid ultraviolet exposure. Report any symptoms or suspected side effects to your physician promptly.

Cardizem CD can interact with a number of other drugs, including several that are used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions, the anticonvulsant Tegretol, the ulcer medicine Tagamet, lithium and the transplant drug Sandimmune.

The herb St. John's wort might speed elimination of diltiazem from the body, which could reduce its effectiveness.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure Cardizem CD is safe in combination with any other drugs or herbs you take.