Diltiazem Uses

Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to control exertional angina (chest pain brought on by exercise) and angina due to coronary artery spasm (chest pain at rest) in people with coronary artery disease.

There may be other uses of diltiazem—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Diltiazem Mechanism of Action

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes the blood vessels and eases blood flow, thus lowering blood pressure. Diltiazem also increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart, thereby relieving angina.

Diltiazem Doses

Diltiazem is available as tablets (brand name Cardizem) (30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg); extended-release (long-acting) tablets (brand name Cardizem LA) (120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, 360 mg, and 420 mg); and extended-release capsules (brand name Cardizem CD) (120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, and 360 mg). 

The usual dose of Cardizem is as follows: 

For angina: A starting dose of diltiazem regular tablets 30 mg four times daily before meals and at bedtime is usually prescribed. The dose can be increased every 1-2 days until an optimum clinical response is achieved. The average maintenance dose ranges between 180 mg and 360 mg daily taken in divided doses.  Your healthcare provider may prescribe the long-acting formulations for once-daily dosing. The usual dose of Cardizem LA is 180 mg once daily. This can be increased after 7-14 days based on your response up to a maximum of 360 mg per day. The starting dose of Cardizem CD is usually 120 mg or 180 mg once daily. If necessary, the dose can be increased every 7-14 days. Some people need higher doses up to 480 mg once daily. You can switch from regular tablets to extended-release capsules or tablets (Cardizem CD or LA) for once-daily dosing at the nearest equivalent total daily dose. 

For hypertension: A starting dose of 180 mg to 240 mg once daily of Cardizem LA or Cardizem CD is usually prescribed. Some people respond to lower doses. Others require higher doses up to 480 mg once daily. The average maintenance dosage range is 240 mg to 360 mg once daily. The diltiazem dose can be increased up to a maximum of 540 mg per day.