Diltiazem
Brand: Cardizem
Key warning
Caution: can worsen certain heart failure or heart-block conditions
Common side effects
- Swelling of ankles or feet
- Dizziness
- Slow heart rate
- Constipation
- Headache
Key interactions & cautions
- Adds to heart slowing with beta-blockers
- Grapefruit juice raises drug levels
- May raise statin levels (simvastatin)
- Caution with other blood pressure drugs
Counseling points
- Take at the same time each day
- Do not crush extended-release tablets
- Rise slowly to reduce dizziness
- Report swelling, fainting, or very slow pulse
- Avoid grapefruit juice
High-yield study aid for exam prep — not a substitute for the package insert or a pharmacist’s dispensing reference.