Definition

1. Noun:
   • A calcium channel blocker medication: Diltiazem is a pharmaceutical drug that belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate to improve blood flow and reduce the heart's workload.
   • A treatment for cardiovascular conditions: It is specifically used in the management of hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain types of heart failure.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed diltiazem to help control my high blood pressure.
  • Patients with chronic angina often take diltiazem to prevent chest pain.
  • It is important to take diltiazem exactly as directed by your physician.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on diltiazem": to be using diltiazem as part of a medical treatment regimen.
  • After his heart diagnosis, he has been on diltiazem for six months.
• "diltiazem therapy": refers to a treatment plan involving this medication.
  • The cardiologist adjusted her diltiazem therapy for better results.

Variants and Related Words

• Cardizem (n): A common brand name for diltiazem.
  • Cardizem is often prescribed as an alternative to other calcium channel blockers.
• Calcium channel blocker (n): The class of drugs to which diltiazem belongs.
  • Diltiazem is a widely used calcium channel blocker.

Synonyms

• Calcium antagonist: Another term for calcium channel blocker.
• Antihypertensive agent: A substance used to treat high blood pressure (diltiazem is one type).

Related Phrases

• "administer diltiazem": to give the drug, typically in a medical context.
  • The nurse will administer diltiazem intravenously in urgent cases.
• "diltiazem dosage": refers to the specific amount and frequency of the medication prescribed.
  • The standard diltiazem dosage may vary based on the patient's condition.

Noun

1. a calcium blocker (trade name Cardizem) used in treating hypertension or angina or heart failure