Diltzac (Oral)

Generic name:diltiazem (oral route) [ dil-TYE-a-zem ]
Drug classes:Calcium channel blocking agents, Group IV antiarrhythmics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 11, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Cardizem
• Cardizem CD
• Cardizem LA
• Cartia XT
• Dilacor XR
• Dilt-CD
• Diltia XT
• Dilt-XR
• Diltzac
• Matzim LA
• Taztia XT
• Tiazac

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule, Extended Release
• Tablet
• Capsule, Extended Release, 24 HR
• Tablet, Extended Release
• Capsule, Extended Release, 12 HR
• Tablet, Extended Release, 24 HR

Therapeutic Class: Cardiovascular Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Calcium Channel Blocker

Chemical Class: Benzothiazepine

Uses for Diltzac

Diltiazem is used alone or together with other medicines to treat angina (severe chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Diltzac

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 this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine 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

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of diltiazem in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and 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 interacti...