Diltiazem Brand Names and Uses

2023-09-03

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Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat angina, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and heart muscle, which allows blood to flow more easily through the body and helps to control blood pressure and heart rate.

Diltiazem is available under several brand names, including Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Diltzac, and Diltzac ER. The different brand names may have slightly different formulations or dosages, so it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine which brand name is right for you.

In the following section, we will discuss the brand names of diltiazem, their uses, and some important information to consider when taking this medication.

diltiazem brand name

Diltiazem, also known as Cardizem, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat various heart conditions.

Treats angina
Controls high blood pressure
Manages abnormal heart rhythms
Available under different brands
Dosage varies by brand
Consult your doctor for guidance
Generic form also available

It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions on taking diltiazem.

Treats angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often described as a squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest.

Dilates blood vessels:
Diltiazem works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This helps to improve blood flow to the heart muscle and reduce the frequency and severity of angina attacks.
Reduces heart rate:
Diltiazem also slows down the heart rate, which can help to reduce the heart's demand for oxygen and further relieve angina symptoms.
Prevents calcium overload:
Diltiazem blocks calcium channels in the heart muscle, preventing excessive calcium from entering the cells. This helps to relax the heart muscle and reduce the risk of angina attacks.
Improves exercise tolerance:
By reducing angina symptoms and improving blood flow to the heart, diltiazem can help people with angina exercise longer and with less discomfort.

Diltiazem is an effective medication for treating angina and can significantly improve the quality of life for people with this condition.

Controls high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Relaxes blood vessels:
Diltiazem works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, including the arteries that carry blood throughout the body. This helps to reduce the resistance to blood flow and thus lower blood pressure.
Reduces heart rate:
Diltiazem also works by slowing down the heart rate. This reduces the force of each heartbeat and helps to lower blood pressure.
Improves blood vessel function:
Diltiazem helps to improve the function of the blood vessels by promoting the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to relax the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
Prevents complications:
By lowering blood pressure, diltiazem can help to prevent the serious complications of high blood pressure, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Diltiazem is an effective medication for controlling high blood pressure and is generally well-tolerated. However, it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor and to monitor your blood pressure regularly to ensure that it is being controlled effectively.

Manages abnormal heart rhythms

Abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias, occur when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Slows heart rate:
Diltiazem works by slowing down the heart rate, which can help to control certain types of arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Blocks calcium channels:
Diltiazem blocks calcium channels in the heart muscle, which helps to stabilize the heart rhythm and prevent abnormal heartbeats.
Improves atrioventricular (AV) node conduction:
Diltiazem helps to improve the conduction of electrical signals through the AV node, which is the connection between the atria and ventricles of the heart. This can help to prevent certain types of arrhythmias, such as AV block.
Prevents calcium overload:
Diltiazem blocks calcium channels in the heart muscle, preventing excessive calcium from entering the cells. This helps to stabilize the heart rhythm and reduce the risk of arrhythmias.

Diltiazem is an effective medication for managing abnormal heart rhythms and can help to improve the quality of life for people with these conditions.

Available under different brands

Diltiazem is available under several different brand names, including Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Diltzac, and Diltzac ER. These different brands may have slightly different formulations or dosages, so it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which brand name is right for you.

Cardizem:
Cardizem is the original brand name for diltiazem. It is available in immediate-release and controlled-release tablets, as well as an injection.
Cardizem CD:
Cardizem CD is a controlled-release tablet that provides a sustained release of diltiazem over a period of time. This can help to maintain a consistent blood level of diltiazem and reduce the frequency of dosing.
Cardizem SR:
Cardizem SR is another controlled-release tablet that provides a sustained release of diltiazem. It is similar to Cardizem CD, but it may have a different release profile.
Diltzac:
Diltzac is a generic brand of diltiazem. It is available in immediate-release and controlled-release tablets, as well as an injection.
Diltzac ER:
Diltzac ER is a controlled-release tablet that provides a sustained release of diltiazem over a period of time. It is similar to Cardizem CD and Cardizem SR.

When choosing a brand name of diltiazem, it is important to consider factors such as the dosage, formulation, and cost. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you to choose the best brand name for your individual needs.

Dosage varies by brand

The dosage of diltiazem varies depending on the brand name and formulation. The most common dosage range for diltiazem is 30 to 120 mg per day, taken in two or three divided doses. However, some brands of diltiazem, such as Cardizem CD and Cardizem SR, are available in extended-release formulations that can be taken once or twice daily.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage of diltiazem for you based on your individual needs and condition. Factors that may affect your dosage include your age, weight, kidney function, and other medications you are taking.

It is important to take diltiazem exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust your dosage or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.

If you are taking diltiazem for angina, your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase the dosage until your symptoms are controlled. The usual maintenance dosage for angina is 120 to 180 mg per day, taken in two or three divided doses.

If you are taking diltiazem for high blood pressure, your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase the dosage until your blood pressure is controlled. The usual maintenance dosage for high blood pressure is 120 to 180 mg per day, taken in two or three divided doses.

If you are taking diltiazem for abnormal heart rhythms, your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific condition.

It is important to note that the dosages listed above are general guidelines. Your doctor may prescribe a different dosage based on your individual needs.

Consult your doctor for guidance

It is important to consult your doctor for guidance before taking diltiazem or any other medication. Your doctor can help you to determine if diltiazem is right for you and can prescribe the appropriate dosage and brand name.

Your doctor may also want to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and other health parameters while you are taking diltiazem. This is to ensure that the medication is working effectively and that you are not experiencing any adverse effects.

If you have any questions or concerns about diltiazem, be sure to talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the best source of information about your medication and can help you to stay safe and healthy.

Here are some specific situations in which you should consult your doctor before taking diltiazem:

If you have any allergies, especially to diltiazem or other calcium channel blockers.
If you have any other medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or heart failure.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.

Your doctor can provide you with personalized guidance on whether diltiazem is right for you and how to take it safely and effectively.

Generic form also available

Diltiazem is also available in a generic form. Generic medications are equivalent to brand-name medications in terms of their active ingredients, dosage, safety, and effectiveness. However, generic medications are typically available at a lower cost than brand-name medications.

Same active ingredient:
Generic diltiazem contains the same active ingredient as brand-name diltiazem, which is diltiazem hydrochloride.
Same dosage and strength:
Generic diltiazem is available in the same dosages and strengths as brand-name diltiazem.
Same safety and effectiveness:
Generic diltiazem has been shown to be as safe and effective as brand-name diltiazem in clinical studies.
Lower cost:
Generic diltiazem is typically available at a lower cost than brand-name diltiazem.

If you are prescribed diltiazem, you may be able to save money by asking your doctor or pharmacist about the generic form. Your doctor can help you to determine if the generic form is right for you.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about diltiazem brand names:

Question 1: What are the different brand names of diltiazem?
Answer: Diltiazem is available under several brand names, including Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Diltzac, and Diltzac ER.

Question 2: How do the different brand names of diltiazem differ?
Answer: The different brand names of diltiazem may have slightly different formulations or dosages. For example, Cardizem CD and Cardizem SR are controlled-release tablets that provide a sustained release of diltiazem over a period of time, while Cardizem is an immediate-release tablet.

Question 3: Which brand name of diltiazem is right for me?
Answer: The best brand name of diltiazem for you will depend on your individual needs and condition. Your doctor will consider factors such as your age, weight, kidney function, and other medications you are taking when determining which brand name is right for you.

Question 4: Is generic diltiazem available?
Answer: Yes, generic diltiazem is available. Generic medications are equivalent to brand-name medications in terms of their active ingredients, dosage, safety, and effectiveness. However, generic medications are typically available at a lower cost than brand-name medications.

Question 5: How should I take diltiazem?
Answer: Diltiazem should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust your dosage or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first. Diltiazem is usually taken two or three times per day.

Question 6: What are the side effects of diltiazem?
Answer: The most common side effects of diltiazem include dizziness, headache, nausea, and constipation. More serious side effects can include liver damage, kidney damage, and heart failure. However, these side effects are rare.

Question 7: What should I avoid while taking diltiazem?
Answer: You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking diltiazem, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects. You should also avoid taking other medications that can cause low blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and nitrates.

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If you have any questions or concerns about diltiazem, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide you with more information about the medication and help you to take it safely and effectively.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some tips for taking diltiazem safely and effectively:

Tips

Here are some tips for taking diltiazem safely and effectively:

Tip 1: Take diltiazem exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not adjust your dosage or stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first. Diltiazem is usually taken two or three times per day.

Tip 2: Take diltiazem with food.
Taking diltiazem with food can help to reduce the risk of stomach upset. However, avoid taking diltiazem with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as this can increase the levels of diltiazem in your blood.

Tip 3: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking diltiazem.
Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from diltiazem, such as dizziness and drowsiness. It is best to avoid drinking alcohol altogether while taking diltiazem.

Tip 4: Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking.
This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Some medications can interact with diltiazem and cause serious side effects.

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By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are taking diltiazem safely and effectively.

If you have any questions or concerns about diltiazem, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide you with more information about the medication and help you to take it safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Diltiazem is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and constipation. More serious side effects can include liver damage, kidney damage, and heart failure. However, these side effects are rare.