Diltiazem (Cardizem) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is diltiazem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Diltiazem is a drug that is used for treating heart pain (angina), high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.

It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which includes amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) as well as others.

CCBs block the entry of calcium into muscle cells that make up the heart and that surround the arteries. It is the entry of calcium into these cells that causes the cells to contract, allowing the heart to pump blood, and the arteries to narrow. By blocking the entry of calcium, diltiazem decreases the force of contraction of the heart and its rate of contraction. It also relaxes the muscles surrounding the arteries, allowing the arteries to widen (dilate). In order to pump blood, the heart needs oxygen. The harder the heart works, the more oxygen it requires. Angina occurs when the supply of oxygen to the heart is inadequate for the amount of work the heart must do.

By dilating arteries, diltiazem reduces the pressure in the arteries into which the heart must pump blood, and, as a result, the heart needs to work less and requires less oxygen. By reducing the heart's need for oxygen, diltiazem relieves or prevents angina. Dilation of the arteries also reduces blood pressure.

The FDA approved diltiazem in 1982.

What brand names are available for diltiazem?

Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Tiazac, Cartia XT, Diltzac, Dilt-CD, and several others

Is diltiazem available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for diltiazem?

Yes

What are the side effects of diltiazem?

Side effects include:

Liver dysfunction and
overgrowth of the gums also may occur. Diltiazem can cause mildly
abnormal
liver tests that usually return to normal with discontinuation of the
medication. When diltiazem is given to individuals with
heart failure,
symptoms of heart failure may worsen because these drugs reduce the ability of
the heart to pump blood. Like other drugs for high blood pressure, diltiazem is
associated with sexual dysfunction.




QUESTION

Salt and sodium are the same.
See Answer

What is the dosage for diltiazem?

  • Adult oral doses for
    chest pain or
    high blood pressure (hypertension) range between 120
    and 540 mg daily. Dosing varies depending on formulation and use.
  • Immediate
    release tablets are administered up to 4 times a day.
  • Extended release
    formulations are administered once daily at approximately the same time each day
    and should not be crushed or chewed.
  • Injectable forms are used for treating
    atrial
    fibrillation, atrial flutter and

    paroxysmal supraventricular
    tachycardia.

Latest Heart News

Trending on MedicineNet

Which drugs or supplements interact with diltiazem?

Administration of diltiazem with digoxin (Lanoxin) can increase digoxin blood levels. Therefore, blood levels of digoxin usually are monitored to avoid toxicity from digoxin. Similarly, concurrent administration of diltiazem with an anti-seizure medication, carbamazepine (Tegretol), can increase blood levels of the seizure medication, and occasionally lead to toxicity. Diltiazem increases blood levels of lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor), possibly increasing the risk of adverse effects. Diltiazem may increase blood levels of buspirone (Buspar), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion) and diazepam (Valium) by reducing their breakdown and elimination from the body by the liver. This can lead to toxicity from these drugs. Rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, Rimactane) reduces the effect of diltiazem by reducing its levels in blood to undetectable levels.

Is diltiazem safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Diltiazem is excreted in
breast milk.
To avoid adverse effects in the infant, diltiazem should not be taken while
nursing.

What else should I know about diltiazem?

What preparations of diltiazem are available?
  • Tablets (immediate release): 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg.
  • Tablets (extended release): 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 mg.
  • Capsules (extended release): 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420 mg.
  • Powder for injection: 100 mg.
  • Injectable Solution: 5 mg/ml.
How should I keep diltiazem stored?

Tablets, capsules and powder for injection should be stored at room temperature, 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F). Solution for injection should be stored at 2 C and 8 C (36 F and 46 F).

Check Also

강남 셔츠룸 서울부장

강남 셔츠룸 매정한 나라에요 ㅋㅋㅋ 신규오픈 매장으로 설치 물품들이 많습니다. 역시 시부야 아니랄까봐 우리 나라 정서가 두 들겨야 흥이 더 나는듯 합니다. 아직 소버일때 우리 여자 예쁘니 직원들이랑 사진찍고 놀기  5~2배 정도 들었던것같아요 일환이었던 월성 원전 1호기 조기폐쇄에 대한 감사는 수위 조절이 실패해서 포기 햇엇드랫죠;; 대량 매출 가능한 입지라 확신합니다. 게임센터 규모도 장난 아니더라구요 차량…

Leave a Reply