Diltiazem
Uses
Diltizem is used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), high blood pressure (hypertension), and angina chest pain.
How it Works
Diltizem is known as a calcium channel blocker. Diltizem works by blocking the amount of calcium that goes into the 'smooth' muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels and in the heart. Calcium is needed for muscles to contract, so reducing the amount of calcium using Diltizem causes the muscle cells to relax. Diltizem reduces the force and the rate of heartbeat, and this helps to prevent angina chest pain.
Common Side effects
Patients who take Diltizem may suffer from such side effects;
Headache,
Nausea,
Fatigue,
Dizziness,
Feeling of discomfort,
Dyspepsia,
Stomach pain,
Peripheral edema,
Constipation,
Redness of skin,
Flushing