Diltiazem

Diltiazem is a non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that reduces calcium entry into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells, slowing heart rate and relaxing arteries.

L-type calcium channel: A voltage-gated calcium channel that carries calcium into cardiac, smooth-muscle, and other cells. Diltiazem binds these channels to reduce calcium entry.
Hypertension: Persistently elevated pressure of blood in the arteries. Arterial relaxation lets diltiazem lower blood pressure.
Verapamil: A non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that slows cardiac conduction and relaxes vascular smooth muscle. It shares diltiazem's class effects but often has stronger negative inotropic effects.
Bradycardia: A heart rate slower than the normal range for a person's age and circumstances. Excessive sinus slowing is a possible consequence of diltiazem therapy.
Calcium-channel blocker: A drug that reduces calcium movement through voltage-gated calcium channels. Diltiazem is one member of this broad drug class.
Atrioventricular node: A region of specialized cardiac tissue that conducts electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. Diltiazem slows conduction here, helping control some rapid heart rhythms.
Angina pectoris: Chest discomfort caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Diltiazem can reduce cardiac workload and relieve chronic angina.
Amlodipine: A long-acting dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker used mainly to treat hypertension and angina. It acts more strongly on blood vessels and usually does not slow AV-node conduction.
Atrioventricular block: Impaired electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles. Diltiazem can worsen conduction delay, particularly with other rate-slowing drugs.
Pharmacokinetics: The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. Formulation and metabolism shape how diltiazem dosing is scheduled.

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