Most popular quantity. Cardizem (Diltiazem) is a member of the group of drugs known as benzothiazepines , which are a class of calcium channel blockers, used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and some types of arrhythmia. It is a class 3 anti-anginal drug, and a class IV antidysrhythmic. It incites very minimal reflex sympathetic changes.
Cardizem (Diltiazem) is a potent vasodilator, increasing blood flow and variably decreasing the heart rate via strong depression of A-V node conduction. Its pharmacolgical activity is somewhat similar to verapamil
Cardizem (Diltiazem) is metabolized by and acts as an inhibitor of the CYP3A4 enzyme.
Cardizem (Diltiazem) is relatively contraindicated in the presence of sick sinus syndrome, atrioventricular node conduction disturbances, bradycardia, impaired left ventricle function, peripheral artery occlusive disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Prinzmetal's angina.
Potent vasodilator of coronary vessels.
Vasodilator of peripheral vessels. This reduces peripheral resistance and afterload.
Negative inotropic effect. Cardizem (Diltiazem) causes a modest decrease in contractility and reduces myocardium oxygen consumption.
Negative chronotropic effect. Cardizem (Diltiazem) causes a modest lowering of heart rate. This effect is due to slowing of the SA node. It results in reduced myocardium oxygen consumption.
Negative dromotropic effect. By slowing conduction through the AV node, Cardizem (Diltiazem) increases the time needed for each beat. This results in reduced myocardium oxygen consumption.
Beta-blockers. I.V. Cardizem (Diltiazem) should never be used concurrently with a beta-blocker; can result in AV block. Quinidine. Quinidine should not be used concurrently with calcium channel blockers because of reduced clearance of both drugs and potential pharmacodynamic effects at the SA and AV nodes. Miscellaneous Inhibition of hepatic enzymes. Cardizem (Diltiazem) and verapamil inhibit hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes, promoting possible drug interactions.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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