Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using Cardizem?
Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets both contain an active ingredient diltiazem
hydrochloride. Cardizem tablets are used to prevent angina. Cardizem CD capsules are
used to prevent angina or to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
2. What should I know before I use Cardizem?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem
tablets or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Cardizem and affect how it works.
4. How do I use Cardizem?
Cardizem CD capsules can be taken once a day, preferably at the same time every day.
Cardizem tablets can be taken three or four times a day.
Swallow the capsules or the tablets with a glass of water. Do not chew them.
Your doctor will tell you how often and how much Cardizem CD or Cardizem tablets to
take.
5. What should I know while using Cardizem?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Cardizem CD
or Cardizem tablets.
If you are taking these medicines for angina, tell your doctor if you continue to
have angina attacks or if they become more frequent.
Take these medicines exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
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Things you should not do
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Do not use these medicines to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
If you are taking these medicines for angina, do not suddenly stop taking your medicine
since this can cause severe angina for a day or two.
Do not use during pregnancy.
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Driving or using machines
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Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how these medicines affect
you.
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Looking after your medicine
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Keep these medicines in a cool, dry place where it stays below 25°C.
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6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time
they are not. Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel
well while you are using these medicines. Some of the serious side effects are heat
beating irregularly, slowly or very quickly; continuously lightheaded or dizzy; feeling
pain, which may be severe, in your left arm and chest. For more information, including
what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient:
Diltiazem hydrochloride
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Cardizem CD capsules and Cardizem
tablets. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem
tablets.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Cardizem?
You have been prescribed either Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets. These medicines
both contain an active ingredient called diltiazem hydrochloride. The difference between these is that Cardizem CD is designed to release the active
ingredient slowly so that it works over 24 hours and can be taken once a day (CD stands
for "controlled delivery"). Cardizem tablets release the active ingredient faster
and so must be taken more often (3-4 times a day, as your doctor has instructed).
These medicines belong to a group of medicines called calcium channel blockers or
calcium antagonists. They work by opening up blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure
and lets more blood and oxygen reach the heart. They do not change the amount of calcium
in your blood or bones.
Cardizem tablets are used to prevent angina.
Cardizem CD capsules are used to prevent angina or to treat hypertension (high blood
pressure).
Angina is a pain or uncomfortable sensation in the chest, often spreading to the arms
or neck and sometimes to the shoulders and back. The pain of angina is due to a shortage
of oxygen to the heart.
High blood pressure can have many different causes, including kidney disease, hardening
of the arteries and some hormone imbalances. However, the vast majority of people
with high blood pressure have no identifiable cause for it. If left untreated, high
blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as a stroke or heart attack.
Your doctor may have prescribed these medicines for another reason.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why these medicines have been prescribed
for you.
There is no evidence that these medicines are addictive.
These medicines are available only with a doctor's prescription.
2. What should I know before I use Cardizem?
Warnings
Do not use either Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets if:
you are allergic to diltiazem hydrochloride, or any of the ingredients listed at the
end of this leaflet.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to these medicines may include:
asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath
swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or
breathing
hives, itching or skin rash
fainting
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use these medicines.
you have certain types of abnormal heart rhythm
you have hypotension (low blood pressure)
you have had a heart attack or have other heart-related complications
you have pulmonary congestion (fluid on the lungs)
you are currently taking any of the following medications:
dantrolene (muscle relaxant)
ivabradine (for heart failure/angina)
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or if tablets or capsules do not
look right
the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed
If you take these medicines after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
Check with your doctor if you:
dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban (blood thinners such as direct acting oral anti-coagulants)
are not sure whether you should start taking these medicines
take any medicines for any other condition
have allergies to:
any other medicines
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
abnormal heart beat rhythm
hypotension (low blood pressure)
heart attack or other heart-related complications
impaired renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) function
diabetes
asthma
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Use in Children
Do not give these medicines to a child.
The safety and effectiveness of these medicines have not been established in children.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Cardizem CD capsules and Cardizem tablets should not be used during pregnancy.
These medicines may affect your developing baby if they are taken during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor will discuss this situation with you. A decision will have to be made
whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue therapy taking into consideration
the importance of the medicine.
The active ingredient of these medicines passes into breast milk and may affect your
baby.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets and affect
how it works. These include:
dantrolene (a muscle relaxant)
aspirin
medications used to help prevent blood clots (antiplatelets)
cilostazol (a medicine used to treat blockage of blood vessels to the legs)
Some other medicines for your heart or high blood pressure (eg. beta blockers, digoxin,
amiodarone, nitrates)
ciclosporin, which you may have been given after an operation or because of rheumatoid
arthritis
rifampicin (an antibiotic)
cimetidine or ranitidine (for ulcers or reflux)
diazepam (for depression, alcohol withdrawal or anxiety)
phenytoin (for epilepsy)
carbamazepine (for bipolar disorder or epilepsy)
lithium (for bipolar disorder)
theophylline (for asthma and other breathing problems)
certain drugs used to treat prostate problems
ivabradine (for heart failure/angina)
inhaled anaesthetic agents such as halothane, isoflurane, enflurane (for surgery)
drugs used to lower your blood cholesterol (including simvastatin, lovastatin)
benzodiazepines or medicines used as sedatives or to treat anxiety such as midazolam,
triazolam
corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, cortisone
antiarrhythmics or medicines used to treat irregular heart beats
medicines used during scans to see images of your body
colchicine (drug used to treat gout) when administered concomitantly
blood thinners such as direct acting oral anti-coagulants such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban,
apixaban
drugs with the potential/known for prolonging the QT interval.
Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets may themselves be affected, or they may affect
how well these medicines work. You may need to take different amounts of your medicine,
or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem
tablets.
4. How do I take Cardizem?
How much to take
Cardizem CD capsules can be taken once a day, preferably at the same time every day.
Cardizem tablets can be taken three or four times a day.
Your doctor will tell you how often and how many Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem
tablets to take.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully until your
doctor tells you to stop. Write them down if necessary.
If you do not understand the instructions on the packaging of these medicines, ask
your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How to take it
Swallow the capsules or the tablets with a glass of water. Do not chew them.
When to take it
Take these medicines at the same time(s) every day.
How long to take it
If you are not sure how long to take your medicine, talk to your doctor.
If you forget to take Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets
If you are taking these medicines for angina, do not suddenly stop taking them since
this can cause severe angina for a day or two.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go
back to taking your tablets or capsules as you would normally.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you take too many Cardizem CD capsules or Cardizem tablets
If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too many Cardizem CD capsules
or Cardizem tablets, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand) or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much of these medicines, you may:
feel continuously light-headed or dizzy
notice your heart beating very slowly
feel pain, which could be severe, in your left arm and chest
excess fluid may accumulate in your lungs (pulmonary oedema) causing shortness of
breath that may develop up to 24-48 hours after intake.
If any of these occur, you should get medical attention immediately.
5. What should I know while using Cardizem?
Things you should do
Take these medicines exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
If you do not follow your doctor's instructions, you may not get relief from your
attacks of angina, or your blood pressure may not be as well controlled as it could
be.
If you are taking these medicines for angina, tell your doctor if you continue to
have angina attacks or if they become more frequent.
Tell your doctor dentist or pharmacist that you are taking Cardizem CD capsules or
Cardizem tablets if you are about to be started on any new medicine.
Things to be careful of
Be careful not to overdo physical activities when you first start using these medicines.
You may feel better when you start taking these medicines, but you will need time
to improve your physical fitness.
Drinking grapefruit juice may increase the effects of Cardizem and Cardizem CD.
Get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up if you feel light-headed, dizzy
or faint.
If this is a problem and it gets worse or continues, talk to your doctor.
Things you should not do
Do not use these medicines to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
Do not give these medicines to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
As mentioned previously, if you are taking these medicines for angina, do not suddenly
stop taking your medicine since this can cause severe angina for a day or two.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how these
medicines affect you.
These medicines may cause dizziness and fainting in some patients, especially when
you first start to use them. Make sure you know how you react to these medicines before
you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if
this happens to you.
Looking after your medicine
Keep these medicines in their packaging until it is time to take them. If you take
the medicine out of its container it may not keep well.
Store below 25°C.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
These medicines help most people with angina, and Cardizem CD will help control most
people's blood pressure, but they may have unwanted effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
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Serious side effects
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What to do
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General
you have difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing
you have blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose or genitals
Skin Related
you have skin reactions such as red, painful or itchy spots, blisters or peeling of
the skin
Cardiovascular Related
you notice your heart beating irregularly, slowly or very quickly
you feel pain, which may be severe, in your left arm and chest
you feel continuously light headed or dizzy
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Call your doctor straight away, or go straight to the Emergency Department at your
nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects.
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Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects as follows:
New Zealand: Medsafe online at:
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Cardizem contains:
Cardizem CD 180 and 240 mg capsules
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Diltiazem hydrochloride 180 mg or 240 mg
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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fumaric acid, purified talc, non-pareil seeds (sucrose), colloidal anhydrous silica,
white beeswax, ethylcellulose, castor oil, stearic acid, methacrylic acid copolymers,
tributyl acetylcitrate, simethicone, gelatin, brilliant blue FCF, black iron oxide
and titanium dioxide.
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Cardizem CD 360 mg capsules
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Diltiazem hydrochloride 360 mg
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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non-pareil seed (sucrose), povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, diethyl phthalate, purified
talc, methacrylic acid copolymers, tributyl acetylcitrate, simethicone, titanium dioxide,
brilliant blue FCF and gelatin.
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Cardizem tablets
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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Diltiazem hydrochloride 60 mg
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, colloidal anhydrous
silica, magnesium stearate, methyl hydroxybenzoate, sunset yellow FCF CI 15985, quinoline
yellow CI 47005 and a film-coating (Opadry YS-5-7044 & methyl hydroxybenzoate).
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Cardizem looks like
Cardizem CD capsules
Cardizem CD capsules are available in packs of 30 for the 180 mg and 240 mg strengths.
Each blister strip is calendarised and contains 15 capsules. For your first dose,
take the capsule labelled "Take this Capsule First". Take the next doses according
to the day of the week which is printed on the blister foil.
180 mg: AUST R 46818
240 mg: AUST R 46822
The 360 mg strength is available in a bottle of 30 capsules.
*360 mg: AUST R 75251
All doses (180 mg, 240 mg and 360 mg) are two component capsules:
The 180 mg capsules are blue and light turquoise
The 240 mg capsules are blue
The 360 mg capsules are white and light blue
Cardizem tablets
Cardizem tablets are supplied in plastic bottles of 90 tablets with a seal in the
mouth of the bottle. The tablets are light yellow, speckled, round and biconvex. The
word "Marion" is engraved on one side of the tablet while the other side is scored
and engraved with "1772".
*60 mg: AUST R 73179
*denotes not available in New Zealand
Who distributes Cardizem
Cardizem CD capsules and Cardizem tablets are distributed in Australia by:
sanofi-aventis australia pty ltd
12-24 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Freecall: 1800 818 806
Distributed in New Zealand by:
Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd t/a Healthcare Logistics
PO Box 62027
Sylvia Park Auckland 1644
Freecall: 0800 283 684
This leaflet was prepared in August 2024.
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