Diltiazem
Diltiazem
Diltiazem (pronounced dil-TIE-a-zem) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain heart rhythm disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers.
Etymology
The name "Diltiazem" is derived from the components of the drug itself. The "dil" is short for "dilation", referring to the drug's effect on blood vessels. The "tia" is from "tiazem", a term used in pharmaceutical chemistry. The "zem" is a common suffix used in drug nomenclature.
Usage
Diltiazem works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. It may also be used for purposes not listed in this medical dictionary.
Related Terms
- Calcium Channel Blockers: A class of drugs that disrupt the movement of calcium through calcium channels.
- Hypertension: A condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure.
- Angina: A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
- Heart Rhythm Disorders: Conditions that cause changes in the normal heartbeat.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Diltiazem can include headache, dizziness, tiredness, and slow heartbeat. More serious side effects can include severe dizziness, fainting, and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions
Before taking Diltiazem, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you have a history of heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease. This drug may make you dizzy, so do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diltiazem
- Wikipedia's article - Diltiazem
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