Generic
Diltiazem Hydrochloride
20 brands available in the market
At a glance
Diltiazem Hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, and arrhythmias.
Description
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel antagonist. It is a peripheral and coronary vasodilator with some negative inotropic activity. Diltiazem inhibits cardiac conduction particularly at the sino-atrial and atrioventricular nodes.
Indications
- Chronic stable angina pectoris
- Vasospastic angina
- Essential hypertension
- Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
- Myocardial infarction
- Raynaud's phenomenon
Therapeutic class
Calcium-channel blockers
Pharmacological class
Calcium Channel Blocker
Pharmacology
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel antagonist. It is a peripheral and coronary vasodilator with some negative inotropic activity. Diltiazem inhibits cardiac conduction particularly at the sino-atrial and atrioventricular nodes.
Mechanism of action
Diltiazem blocks calcium channels, causing coronary and peripheral vasodilation, which increases oxygen supply and reduces cardiac workload.
Dosage
Adult (Film-coated tablet): 60 mg three times daily; may increase to 180-300 mg/day; max 480 mg/day.
Adult (SR formulation - Hypertension): Initial 90 or 120 mg twice daily; max 360 mg/day.
Adult (SR formulation - Angina): Initial 90 or 120 mg twice daily.
Elderly/Hepatic/Renal impairment: Start with 60 mg twice daily; do not increase if heart rate <50 bpm.
Administration
May be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole, do not chew, crush or break.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Diltiazem, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common: Bradycardia, sino-atrial block, atrioventricular block, hypotension, malaise, headache, hot flushes, GI disturbances, edema, hepatitis, depression.
Precautions & warnings
Caution in sick sinus syndrome, 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, severe hypotension, or acute myocardial infarction. Do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity; sick sinus syndrome; 2nd or 3rd degree AV block; severe hypotension; acute myocardial infarction; pulmonary congestion.
Drug interactions
Nitrates: Can be used safely concomitantly.
Other drugs that affect cardiac contractility/conduction: Caution and careful dosage titration required.
Food interactions
Can be taken with or without food.
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies risk.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Diltiazem is distributed into milk; women receiving the drug should not breastfeed.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosage is determined by the physician.
Geriatric use
Elderly patients should start with 60 mg twice daily; monitor heart rate.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Caution in renal or hepatic impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Treatment of overdose is symptomatic.
Storage conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture.
Chemical structure
Diltiazem Hydrochloride