MATZIM LA (Generic for CARDIZEM LA)

Diltiazem Hydrochloride 240mg, Oral tablet, extended release

Marijuana

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: The effects of marijuana may be increased and side effects may get worse if it is combined with this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this combination will affect you. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice slurred speech, confusion, severe drowsiness, increased heart rate, or any other new or unusual side effects.

· Notes for Professionals: The incidence of marijuana associated adverse effects may change following coadministration with diltiazem. Diltiazem is an inhibitor of CYP3A4, an isoenzyme partially responsible for the metabolism of marijuana's most psychoactive compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9-THC). When given concurrently with diltiazem, the amount of Delta-9-THC converted to the active metabolite 11-hydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC) may be reduced. These changes in Delta-9-THC and 11-OH-THC plasma concentrations may result in an altered marijuana adverse event profile.

Diltiazem Hydrochloride 240mg, Oral tablet, extended release

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.

Diltiazem Hydrochloride 240mg, Oral tablet, extended release

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Limit your ingestion of alcohol-containing beverages while taking diltiazem. Some extended-release dosage forms of diltiazem should not be taken with alcohol at all as alcohol may cause too much diltiazem in the blood and place you at risk for side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for information. The interaction can increase the risk of low blood pressure. If the blood pressure is too low, you may experience dizziness, falls, or fainting. Do not drive or operate machinery or perform other hazardous tasks if you drink any alcohol while on diltiazem.

· Notes for Professionals: Patients must avoid consumption of alcohol with some dosage forms of diltiazem; also, advise patients to limit alcohol ingestion with diltiazem in general since there may be additive effects on blood pressure that may increase the risk for orthostatic hypotension, dizziness or syncope. Alcohol 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.

<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>