Cardil: description, use, contraindications and side effects
Cardil (international name - Diltiazem) is a drug from the group of benzodiazepine calcium channel blockers, produced by the pharmaceutical company Orion Corporation in Finland. It is used to treat various diseases of the cardiovascular system, such as angina pectoris, arterial hypertension and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. In addition, it can be used to prevent coronary spasm during coronary angiography or coronary artery bypass surgery, as well as to prevent graft failure after kidney transplantation and during immunosuppressive therapy.
Cardil is available in film-coated tablets in strengths of 60 mg and 120 mg. The active ingredient is diltiazem. The drug is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to its components, cardiogenic shock, left ventricular systolic dysfunction (including acute myocardial infarction), sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial and AV block II-III degree, severe aortic stenosis, Wolff syndrome. Parkonson-White and Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome with paroxysms of atrial fibrillation or flutter, impaired liver and kidney function, childhood, pregnancy and lactation.
When using Cardil, side effects may occur, such as transient hypotension, bradycardia, stage I conduction disturbance, decrease in cardiac output, palpitations, fainting, eosinophilia, headache, dizziness, weakness, feeling of fatigue, peripheral edema, impaired potency, dyspeptic symptoms, hyperplasia of the gum mucosa, sweating, redness of the skin, allergic reactions (skin rash and itching), rarely - exudative erythema multiforme, increased activity of transaminases (ALT, AST), lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, hyperglycemia.
Cardil may interact with other medicines. It increases plasma levels of carbamazepine, theophylline, cyclosporine A and digoxin, and may also enhance the inhibitory effect of anesthetics on cardiac contractility, conductivity and automaticity. Antibiotics of the macrolide group, amprenavir, felodipine and amlodipine can enhance the effect of Cardil and cause its toxic effects. With the simultaneous use of Cardil and beta-blockers, arterial hypotension, bradycardia and conduction disturbances may occur.
Before starting to use Cardil, you should consult your doctor and inform him about all medications you are taking. It is important to monitor your health and if unwanted effects occur, consult a doctor immediately.