Diltia XT

People who experience high blood pressure or certain types of chest pain may benefit from Diltia XT. This prescription medication is a type of calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing the blood vessels to improve blood flow. Diltia XT comes in the form of an extended-release capsule that is taken once a day. Although most people tolerate the drug well, possible side effects may include nausea and coughing.

What Is Diltia XT?

Diltia XT^®(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 Diltia XT is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Diltia XT?

Diltia XT is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals.

How Does Diltia XT Work?

Diltia XT is part of a class of drugs called

calcium channel blockers. Diltia XT helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers 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 down the heart rate, while dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers do not. Diltia XT is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means that it can decrease the heart rate. Because of this, Diltia XT is useful for treating certain types of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

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