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. The medication comes in the form of extended-release capsules and is generally taken once a day. Potential side effects include nausea, constipation, and coughing.

Diltiazem HCL

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 this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

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 nondihydropyridine. The most important difference between the two types is that nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers can slow the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Dilt-XR is a nondihydropyridine 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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