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What Is Diltiazem?

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a prescription calcium channel blocker. Immediate-release tablets are used for chronic stable angina and angina from coronary artery spasm. Extended-release oral products are used for hypertension and selected angina indications. Doses and schedules differ substantially by formulation.

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What Is Diltiazem?

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a prescription calcium channel blocker. Immediate-release tablets are used for chronic stable angina and angina from coronary artery spasm. Extended-release oral products are used for hypertension and selected angina indications. Doses and schedules differ substantially by formulation.

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How Does Diltiazem Affect the Heart and Blood Vessels?

Diltiazem inhibits calcium influx through slow channels in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle lowers peripheral vascular resistance and blood pressure. In the heart, diltiazem slows atrioventricular nodal conduction and can reduce heart rate, while coronary vasodilation contributes to its antianginal activity.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Diltiazem?

Diltiazem oral products treat chronic stable angina and angina caused by coronary artery spasm. Selected extended-release formulations also treat hypertension, either alone or with other antihypertensive medicines. Immediate-release tablets and extended-release products are not used on the same dosing schedule.

How Is Oral Diltiazem Dosed?

Immediate-release tablets for angina commonly start at 30 mg four times daily before meals and at bedtime. One current extended-release capsule label starts hypertension treatment at 180 mg to 240 mg once daily and angina treatment at 120 mg or 180 mg once daily. Dose titration follows response and tolerability.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Diltiazem?

Diltiazem can cause slow heart rate, atrioventricular block, low blood pressure, worsening heart failure, edema, dizziness, and liver injury. Contraindications include sick sinus syndrome without a functioning pacemaker, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block without a pacemaker, severe hypotension, and acute myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diltiazem

Is diltiazem a calcium channel blocker?

Yes. Diltiazem blocks slow calcium channels in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle.

What conditions does oral diltiazem treat?

Oral diltiazem treats selected angina conditions, while several extended-release products also treat hypertension.

How is immediate-release diltiazem started for angina?

A common starting regimen is 30 mg four times daily before meals and at bedtime.

Can diltiazem slow the heart rate?

Yes. Diltiazem can cause bradycardia and atrioventricular conduction block.

References

DailyMed - DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE capsule, extended release. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=04a85be5-f746-418e-8e37-292703f16934. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

DailyMed - DILTIAZEM HYDROCHLORIDE tablet. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=50df9f09-aa2f-495d-a25c-7c5c0fdffcf0. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diltiazem. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684027.html. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diltiazem. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Diltiazem. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.

Diltiazem. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532937/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.