CARDIZEM (Brand for DILTIAZEM HCL)

Diltiazem Hydrochloride 120mg, Oral tablet

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication increases the risk for dangerously low blood pressure. Contact your care team right away if you experience dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, or blurry vision.

· Notes for Professionals: Advise patients to avoid alcohol consumption while taking diltiazem; there may be additive effects on blood pressure that may increase the risk for orthostatic hypotension, dizziness or syncope. Alcohol also increases the rate at which some controlled and extended-release formulas of diltiazem (such as Cardizem CD) release diltiazem in vitro. This effect may lead to more rapid absorption and an increase in the systemic exposure of diltiazem, and associated dose-related adverse reactions.

Diltiazem Hydrochloride 120mg, Oral tablet

Grapefruit juice

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: Although less likely than with some other Calcium-Channel Blockers, Grapefruit juice and grapefruit-containing foods may increase the side effects of Calcium-Channel Blockers. Do not significantly increase grapefruit juice intake while taking this drug, or avoid grapefruit juice if possible. If your heart rate or blood pressure drops too low while taking this medicine, you may become dizzy or feel faint; do not stand or sit up too quickly. Contact your prescriber if you have dizziness which does not go away while taking this medicine. If you notice new or increased swelling of your legs or ankles, tell your health care provider.

· Notes for Professionals: Current data suggest that grapefruit juice has a limited effect on diltiazem bioavailability. The mechanism is most likely due to inhibition of CYP3A4 isoenzymes in the gut by inhibitory compounds within grapefruit juice, resulting in reduced first-pass drug metabolism. It is generally recommended to avoid grapefruit juice during calcium-channel blocker therapy.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>