Product Details: Cardizem CD (Diltiazem CD)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Aventis Pharma

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat angina (chest pain) or high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken with or without food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure checks, heart function, liver function and kidney function may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands; dizziness; and slow heartbeat. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while you are taking this medicine is headache. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience cough; dizziness; drowsiness; facial flushing; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to the sun; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; trouble sleeping; unusual bleeding or bruising; vision changes; or weakness or fatigue. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; dark urine; fainting; very fast or very slow heartbeat; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes; pale stools; severe or persistent dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting; personality changes; reddened, blistered or swollen skin; shortness of breath; sudden weight gain; swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Diltiazem CD