Cardizem Attorney - Diltiazem Hydrochloride Lawyer

Diltiazem is a popular calcium-channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels to reduce stress on the heart and increase its blood and oxygen supply. It is marketed under brand names including Cardizem, Tiazac, Cartia, Tiamate, Tildiem, Adizem, Viazem and Dilatam.

It is used to control hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain), to treat some types of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and Raynaud's syndrome (sudden decreased blood circulation in fingers and toes), and for other "off label" uses to treat a variety of conditions.

But, although it controls hypertension and some types of angina, diltiazem does not cure these conditions. And, once chest pain starts, diltiazem cannot stop it, so a second medication is sometimes prescribed for this eventuality.

Studies have found that diltiazem can inhibit the motility of sperm, and it is thought that it raises the cholesterol level in sperm, making sperm less able to bind to an egg. Diltiazem is being used in vas irrigation for vasectomies and has even been considered as a male contraceptive. But while infertility induced by diltiazem is thought to be reversible, some cases of permanent male infertility have been reported.

Other side effects of diatiazem for which you should call your doctor if they persist include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Excessive tiredness
• Flushing or feeling of warmth
• Headache
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Slower heartbeat
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

Side effects of diatiazem for which you should call your doctor immediately include:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Fainting
• Fever
• Increase in severity or frequency of chest pain
• Rash
• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin

You should also be aware that diltiazem should generally NOT be used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), sick sinus syndrome (a group heart rhythm disorders), atrioventricular node conduction disturbances (which can cause bradycardia), impaired left ventricular function, Prinzmetal's angina (chest pain due to a coronary artery spasm), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If a physician has wrongly prescribed diltiazem to you, or if you have suffered a complication due to diltiazem, including the inability to conceive, you may be entitled to compensation. To find out, consult with a qualified medical malpractice or pharmaceutical injury attorney. Due to statutes of limitations, however, we suggest you do so sooner, rather than later.