What is diltiazem and how does it work?
How does diltiazem work? Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. If you have high blood pressure, it works by blocking calcium going into muscles in the heart and blood vessels. Muscles need calcium to contract, so when you block the calcium, it makes the muscle cells relax.
What is the effect of diltiazem?
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.
How does diltiazem decrease heart rate?
Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart and lowers the heart rate. Blood can flow more easily and your heart works less hard to pump blood.
What is the difference between amlodipine and diltiazem?
Thus both amlodipine and diltiazem once-daily are effective in reducing blood pressure. While amlodipine is more potent than diltiazem in reducing systolic blood pressure, it causes more vasodilator side effects.
What are the indications for diltiazem?
Diltiazem is an oral and parenteral non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It is used in many clinical scenarios as an antihypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, and as anti-anginal. FDA-approved indications include atrial arrhythmia, hypertension, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and chronic stable angina.
Why is diltiazem contraindicated in heart failure?
The calcium channel blockers, verapamil and diltiazem, should generally be avoided in patients with CHF, as their negative inotropic effects may exacerbate the disease.
Is diltiazem good for irregular heartbeat?
In the treatment of atrial arrhythmias, diltiazem is considered an effective rate-control drug. The authors’ recommendation for patients with atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia is 120 mg every 12 h (66.6\% of the experts) as the proper dose for reducing the heart rate.
Does diltiazem help with irregular heartbeat?
Diltiazem may also be used to control your heart rate if you have a fast/irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation). Long-acting forms of diltiazem may be used to treat high blood pressure.
Can you take both amlodipine and diltiazem together?
dilTIAZem amLODIPine You may be more likely to experience serious side effects such as irregular heart rhythm, fluid retention, swelling, heart failure, and excessively low blood pressure. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.
Can you take amlodipine and diltiazem at the same time?
Verapamil or diltiazem in combination with amlodipine is an alternative for patients with a history of angioedema to an ACE inhibitor and for patients at increased risk of hyperkalemia.
When is diltiazem contraindicated?
CARDIZEM is contraindicated in (1) patients with sick sinus syndrome except in the presence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker, (2) patients with second- or third-degree AV block except in the presence of a functioning ventricular pacemaker, (3) patients with hypotension (less than 90 mm Hg systolic), (4) patients …
What is amiodarone mechanism of action?
After intravenous administration, amiodarone acts to relax smooth muscles that line vascular walls, decreases peripheral vascular resistance (afterload), and increases the cardiac index by a small amount. Administration by this route also decreases cardiac conduction, preventing and treating arrhythmias.
What is the mechanism of action of diltiazem?
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker whose mechanism of action is the prevention of forward movement of calcium ions through slow channels in myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cells. It is a negative inotrope and it reduces vascular resistance.
What is the purpose of taking ‘diltiazem’?
Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). Diltiazem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
How to stop taking diltiazem?
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking diltiazem suddenly, your condition may become worse. Diltiazem may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and other medications. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
How should diltiazem be taken?
Diltiazem should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken at the same time each day. The pill or capsule should be swallowed whole with water, either on an empty stomach or with food as your doctor or pharmacist recommends.