Diltiazem
Brand: Cardizem (US/EU) / Angizem (IN) / Dilzem (BD)
Antihypertensive
Calcium channel blocker (Benzothiazepine)
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 4 hours |
| Tmax | 3 h |
| Bioavailability | 40 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 80 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 5 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | yes |
| Notes | Metabolized in liver via CYP3A4; sustained-release forms improve compliance; can be combined cautiously with nitrates. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Edema, bradycardia, headache, flushing, hypotension
Contraindications:
Severe bradycardia, AV block, acute MI with pulmonary congestion
Precautions:
Avoid combination with β-blockers; monitor HR and BP; adjust dose in hepatic impairment