Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 1, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Cardizem
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Calcium Channel Blocker
Chemical Class: Benzothiazepine
Uses for diltiazem
Diltiazem is used to control rapid heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythms. It belongs to a group of drugs called calcium channel blocking agents. Diltiazem affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, the heart beats slower and the blood vessels relax, thus, increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.
Diltiazem is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using diltiazem
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For diltiazem, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to diltiazem or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of diltiazem in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of diltiazem in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or liver problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving diltiazem.
Breastfeeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change th...
