Diltiazem is the active ingredient in a medication used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. It is also known by alternative names like Cardizem and Tiazac. This medication helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Diltiazem costs between £0.58 and £2.75 per pills. Depending on the size of the pack and the number of tablets inside (30 or 360 mg).
Diltiazem hydrochloride is the active ingredient in this medication. It belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. Diltiazem affects the amount of calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This effect helps to relax the blood vessels.
Diltiazem works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions during membrane depolarization of cardiac and vascular smooth muscles. This decreases the contractility of the heart and dilates the coronary and systemic arteries. Consequently, it lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart.
Diltiazem is commonly prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain arrhythmias. It helps to control chest pain and stabilizes arrhythmias by improving blood flow to the heart.
Diltiazem is available in various forms including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and extended-release capsules. Doses typically range from 30 mg to 420 mg per day, depending on the form and specific medical condition being treated.
The medication should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Extended-release forms are usually taken once daily, whereas immediate-release forms may be divided into multiple doses throughout the day. It is recommended to take Diltiazem at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
Store Diltiazem at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom to avoid exposure to moisture.
Diltiazem is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The onset of action for immediate-release forms occurs within 30 to 60 minutes. The drug is extensively metabolized by the liver and has an elimination half-life of approximately 3 to 8 hours. Extended-release forms are designed for gradual release over 24 hours.
Diltiazem may interact with other medications including beta-blockers, digoxin, and certain antiarrhythmic drugs. It can also interact with grapefruit juice, leading to increased or decreased levels of the medication in the blood. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking.
Special caution should be exercised when prescribing Diltiazem to elderly patients or those with liver or kidney impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Limited data are available on the effects of Diltiazem in pediatrics, hence it is not commonly recommended for children.
Diltiazem causes a decrease in heart rate and contractility by blocking calcium channels in the heart and vascular smooth muscle. This results in reduced myocardial oxygen demand and improved blood flow to ischemic areas. It also reduces arterial pressure by dilating peripheral arteries.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG is recommended during Diltiazem therapy. Liver and kidney function tests may also be necessary to assess the patient’s response and tolerance to the medication.
Instruct patients to take Diltiazem exactly as prescribed. They should avoid activities requiring mental alertness if they experience dizziness. Inform patients to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid dizziness. They should also be aware of possible interactions with other medications.
By inhibiting calcium influx, Diltiazem relaxes the vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and lowered blood pressure. It also reduces myocardial oxygen consumption by decreasing heart rate and contractility, making it beneficial for patients with angina.
Extended-release formulations of Diltiazem provide a controlled release of the drug over a 24-hour period. This allows for once-daily dosing and helps maintain a consistent therapeutic level in the bloodstream, offering convenience and improved adherence for patients.
Do not crush, chew, or split the extended-release tablets or capsules. Doing so can release the entire dose at once, risking overdose. Immediate-release tablets can be split if they are scored and if prescribed by a healthcare provider.