Diltiazem

Diltiazem is a prescription medication used for controlling high blood pressure and treating certain types of chest pain. The medication is a type of calcium channel blocker that helps to relax the blood vessels to improve blood flow. Although most people do not have any problems taking the medication, there are potential side effects, such as swelling, headaches, and dizziness. Diltiazem is available as a tablet or capsule and is taken one to four times a day.

 

What Is Diltiazem?

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina).
 
(Click Diltiazem Uses for more information on what diltiazem is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Diltiazem Medications

There are many different versions of diltiazem.
 Some are equivalent to each other, while others are not. To make matters even more confusing, many manufacturers of generic diltiazem have chosen to give their medications different names (which makes them sound like brand-name medications). Not all diltiazem medications are approved for the same uses, and the dosages may be different. Different versions of diltiazem include:
 
(Diltiazem Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;