Adizem XL (diltiazem XL) is a generic version of a medication better known by the brand name Cardizem. The medication is predominantly used to help patients manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and/or angina.

Adizem XL, like all calcium channel blockers, relaxes blood vessel walls. Relaxed blood vessels are wider, which improves blood flow and delivers more blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Calcium channel blockers also slow heartbeat speed and reduce heartbeat strength. All together these actions lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of angina, and reduce overall heart strain.

What makes Adizem XL stand out from similar products is its dosage frequency. The XL in this product indicates it is an extended-release formula, which is taken just once per day. Other formulations are taken two, three, or four times per day.

Adizem XL should not be administered to patients under age 18 without doctor approval.

Taking Adizem XL

Adizem XL comes in capsules, which must be swallowed whole. Destroying the integrity of the capsule will allow all of the medication to be released at once, ruining its XL properties and putting the patient at risk of overdose.

The product is available in a range of strengths; 120, 180, 200, 240, and 300 mg. It can be taken with or without food according to personal preference.

Treatment is typically:

• Patients are usually started on 240, taken once per day.
• Patients who have other medical conditions or are taking other medications that increase risk of side effects will likely be started on a lower dose.
• Patients who experience worrisome side effects with 240 mg will likely have dosage reduced.
• Patients who don't experience side effects and have an insufficient response to 240 mg will likely have dosage increased.
• Capsules should be taken at the same time each day.
• Effects should be significant within 14 days of starting treatment.

Patients taking Adizem XL to manage hypertension will most likely be given another hypertension medication rather than increasing dosage past 300 mg per day. Dose strength may differ with other formulations of diltiazem.

Adizem XL works best if the whole dose is taken in a single capsule; patients should make an effort to buy the medication at the prescribed dose.

Adizem XL, like all diltiazem products, is not a cure for angina or hypertension. If the medication is no longer being taken the condition will most likely return; when treatment stops abruptly the condition sometimes returns with a vengeance. If the time comes to end treatment, speak with a doctor about a discontinuation plan.

In the majority of cases the only way to reliably address the underlying issue is to make and maintain lifestyle changes, including:

• Dietary changes
• Adopting an exercise regimen
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Some patients aren't able to make appropriate changes, and for others changes may not provide enough benefit to stop relying on medication. These patients will likely need to take Adizem XL or a similar product for the remainder of life. For the rest, making appropriate changes is strongly encouraged.

Side Effects & Other Considerations

Most side effects associated with this medication are mild, transient, and not cause for concern unless severe or persistant, including:

• Nausea
• Flushing
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache

Though rare, serious side effects do occur. Seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Fainting
• Severe or persistent nausea or vomiting
• Mental or mood changes
• Severe weakness or fatigue
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Irregular, rapid, or pounding heartbeat

All calcium channel blockers, regardless of what they're prescribed to treat, will lower blood pressure and reduce heartbeat rate and strength. Any other medical condition or medication that also influences blood pressure or heart rate is concerning with Adizem XL; be sure that the prescribing doctor is aware of all other medical conditions, and double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.

Other medications which are known to interact with Adizem XL include:

• Digoxin
• Cimitidine
• Azole antifungals
• Macrolide antibiotics
• Benzodiapines
• Rifamycins
• St. John's wort
• Aprepitant
• Buspirone
• Ivabradine
• Cold or flu medications
• NSAIDs

Taking the above does not necessarily rule out use of Adizem XL, however a doctor should be made aware if they're being taken while on Adizem XL.