Dilt-XR

Dilt-XR is a medication that is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain. It is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing the blood vessels to allow better blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Dilt-XR comes in the form of extended-release capsules and is generally taken once a day. Potential side effects of Dilt-XR include nausea, constipation, and coughing.

What Is Dilt-XR?

Dilt-XR® (diltiazem hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina).
 
(Click Diltiazem Uses for more information on what Dilt-XR is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Dilt-XR?

Dilt-XR is made by Apotex Corporation.
 

How Does Dilt-XR Work?

Dilt-XR 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 into the 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 types is that non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Dilt-XR is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate, making it useful for certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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