Drug reference
diltiazem
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (CCBs)
Mechanism of action
Nondihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker: Inhibits extracellular calcium ion influx across membranes of myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in inhibition of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction and thereby dilating main coronary and systemic arteries
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Edema
- Headache
- Bradyarrhythmia
- AV block
- Peripheral edema
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome, symptomatic severe hypotension (systolic BP <90 mm Hg), sick sinus syndrome (if no pacemaker), 2°/3° (if no pacemaker); heart block PO: Acute MI and pulmonary congestion IV: Use in newborns (because of benzyl alc…
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is diltiazem?
diltiazem belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does diltiazem work?
Nondihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker: Inhibits extracellular calcium ion influx across membranes of myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in inhibition of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contraction and thereby dilating main coronary and systemic arteries
What are the common side effects of diltiazem?
Dizziness, Edema, Headache, Bradyarrhythmia, AV block, Peripheral edema
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