- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Brand names
- Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Tiazac
What is Diltiazem used for?
- Rate control in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (IV and oral)
- Angina
- Hypertension (extended release)
How Diltiazem works
Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker: slows conduction through the AV node, lowers heart rate and contractility, and dilates coronary arteries.
Common side effects
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Headache
- Constipation
- Edema
Report right away
- Heart rate below the ordered parameter or new heart block
- Dizziness or fainting
- Signs of heart failure
Nursing considerations for Diltiazem
- Check heart rate and blood pressure before each dose; during IV use, monitor the ECG continuously.
- Use with caution with beta blockers (additive bradycardia and heart block) and in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
- Do not crush extended-release forms.
Patient teaching
- Ask before drinking grapefruit juice regularly.
- Report dizziness, fainting or a slow pulse.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Calcium channel blockers practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Diltiazem belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient on amlodipine has bilateral ankle swelling with clear lungs and stable weight. What is the most likely cause?
Show answer
Answer A: An expected effect of vasodilation Peripheral edema is a common effect of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and comes from arteriolar dilation, not fluid overload.
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Before giving IV diltiazem for atrial fibrillation, which assessment matters most?
Show answer
Answer C: Heart rate and blood pressure Diltiazem slows AV conduction and lowers blood pressure; bradycardia and hypotension are the main risks.
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Which drink should the nurse tell a patient to ask about before using while taking a calcium channel blocker?
Show answer
Answer B: Grapefruit juice Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise levels of several calcium channel blockers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Diltiazem used for?
Rate control in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (IV and oral); Angina; Hypertension (extended release).
What drug class is Diltiazem?
Diltiazem belongs to the class calcium channel blockers. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker: slows conduction through the AV node, lowers heart rate and contractility, and dilates coronary arteries.
What are the nursing considerations for Diltiazem?
Check heart rate and blood pressure before each dose; during IV use, monitor the ECG continuously. Use with caution with beta blockers (additive bradycardia and heart block) and in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
What should patients report while taking Diltiazem?
heart rate below the ordered parameter or new heart block; dizziness or fainting; signs of heart failure.