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General Medication Fact Sheet for Diltiazem
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Diltiazem |
| Brand Name Versions | Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac |
| Purpose | Calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks calcium channels in heart and blood vessels, relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules (extended release), Oral tablets (immediate and extended release) |
| Available Strengths | 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg, 360mg, 420mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once or twice daily (extended release), three to four times daily (immediate release), or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Dizziness, headache, edema (swelling of ankles/feet), flushing, constipation |
| Serious Side Effects | Slow heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, signs of heart failure |
| Drug Interactions | Beta-blockers, digoxin, certain antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), cyclosporine, certain statins (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin) |
| Important Notes | Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice; monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly; consult a doctor if you have liver or kidney problems |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Verapamil, Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Metoprolol, Atenolol |
Diltiazem Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Verapamil (Calan, Verelan) | Calcium channel blocker | Similar mechanism to diltiazem; also used for hypertension and angina. |
| Amlodipine (Norvasc) | Calcium channel blocker | Longer-acting calcium channel blocker; often used for hypertension. |
| Nifedipine (Procardia) | Calcium channel blocker | Primarily used for hypertension and angina. |
| Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) | Beta-blocker | Slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure; alternative for angina and hypertension. |
| Atenolol (Tenormin) | Beta-blocker | Similar to Metoprolol; also used for hypertension and angina. |
Diltiazem Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Slow heartbeat |
| Headache | Fainting |
| Edema (swelling of ankles/feet) | Severe dizziness |
| Flushing | Shortness of breath |
| Constipation | Signs of heart failure (e.g., swelling, rapid weight gain) |
| Weakness | Liver problems (e.g., jaundice, abdominal pain) |
Diltiazem Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertension | 30 mg four times daily (immediate release) or 120-180 mg once daily (extended release) | 120-360 mg daily (extended release) divided in one or two doses. | Follow the prescription of the physician. Extended release products should not be crushed or chewed. |
| Angina | 30 mg four times daily (immediate release) or 120-180 mg once daily (extended release) | 120-480 mg daily (extended release) divided in one or two doses. | Follow the prescription of the physician. Extended release products should not be crushed or chewed. |
| Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter | Dosage varies | Dosage varies; adjusted based on heart rate and rhythm | Requires careful monitoring by a healthcare provider. |
Diltiazem Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 – $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $10 – $20 |
| From CPS | $9.95 |

