Cardizem CD

Cardizem CD is a medication that is licensed for the treatment of high blood pressure and certain types of angina. It is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. The medication is available by prescription and comes in capsule form. Side effects may include headache, weakness, and slow heart rate.

Cardizem CD Medicine Info

What Is Cardizem CD?

Cardizem CD^® (diltiazem hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina).

(Click Cardizem CD Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Drug?

Cardizem CD is made by Biovail Pharmaceuticals. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers and are sold under various names.

How Does It Work?

Cardizem CD is part of a class of drugs called

calcium channel blockers. It helps slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better blood flow and helps to lower blood pressure. This also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

There are two basic types of calcium channel blockers: dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Cardizem CD is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate, which makes it useful for certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

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