Tiazac

Tiazac is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat certain types of chest pain and high blood pressure. The medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Tiazac comes in the form of an extended-release capsule that is taken once daily.

 

What Is Tiazac?

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

Who Makes Tiazac?

Tiazac is made by Forest Pharmaceuticals. Generic Tiazac is made by a few different manufacturers and is sold under various names.
 

How Does Tiazac Work?

Tiazac is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. It helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. This also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Tiazac is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. As a result, the drug can be useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
 
(Tiazac Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;