Patient was educated on the side effects of using Cardizem as follows: Symptoms of hypotension can occur secondary to dilation of blood vessels in the peripheries. When blood vessels dilate, they accommodate more blood volume in the periphery. This can reduce blood supply to the vital organs, such as, brain and result in symptoms such as, dizziness and feeling lightheaded. Diminished blood supply to vital organs, such as, heart can occur secondary to pooling of [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for using Cardizem as follows: Avoid using Cardizem along with any other medications that can cause slowdown of heart rate, such as, Beta-blockers. Using them together can result in extreme slowdown of heart rate and can present an emergency. Avoid or use extreme caution using Cardizem along with any other medications that cause vasodilation, such as, Isosorbide and Hydralazine. Using them together can result in episodes of extremely low BP [...]

Patient was educated on how to take Cardizem as follows: Take the medication at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of Cardizem. Do not change the dose on Cardizem without consulting your doctor. Take a blood pressure reading always before you take the pill. Maintain a log of every day blood [...]

Patient was educated on Cardizem and its mechanism of action as follows: Entry of calcium ion through the calcium channels, into the cells lining the blood vessels is needed for narrowing or constriction of blood vessel, which results in elevated blood pressure. Entry of calcium ion into the SA node cells, which is the natural pacemaker in the body, is also needed to initiate a normal heartbeat in the pacemaker cells. Cardizem is a calcium [...]