diltiazem Cardizem Diltiazem is in a group of drugs called calcium channel bloc ers Diltiazem is used to treat hypertension (high

blood pressure), angina (chest pai n), and certain heart rhythm disorders. Mechanism of Action inhibits calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle and myocardium, relaxing smooth muscle, decreasing peripheral vascular resistance, dilating coronary art eries and prolonging AV node refractory period Contraindications/Cautions . hypersens. to drug/class/compon. sic sinus syndrome AV bloc , 2nd or 3rd degree hypotension acute MI w/ pulmonary congestion afib/flutter w/ accessory bypass tract (IV use) ventricular tachycardia (IV use) caution if CHF caution if cardiac conduction defects caution if left ventricular dysfxn caution if hepatic impairment caution if renal impairment Side Effects slow heartbeats; dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat; fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red s in rash; feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; swelling, rapid weight gain; or nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dar urine, claycolored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the s in or eyes). To ma e sure you can safely ta e diltiazem, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions: idney disease; liver disease; or congestive heart failure. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not nown whether diltiazem will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while usin g this medication.