What it means
A calcium channel blockerKAL-see-um CHAN-ul BLOK-erA drug that slows the movement of calcium into heart and blood vessel muscle cells, relaxing the vessels.Full entry that relaxes the arteries and slows the electrical signals through the heart. By mouth it treats high blood pressure and angina; by IV it slows a fast heart rate in atrial fibrillationAY-tree-ul fib-rih-LAY-shunAn irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)fibrill/o small fibers, quivering-ation processFull entry or atrial flutter. Side effects include a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness, swollen ankles, headache and constipation. Its name looks like diazepamdy-AZ-eh-pamA long-acting benzodiazepine drug used for anxiety, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal and seizures.Full entry , a sedative.
For the nurse
Check the apical pulse and blood pressure before each dose and hold it as the order directs for a slow rate or low pressure. Keep the client on a cardiac monitor during IV use. Teach the client to swallow extended-release capsules and tablets whole and to rise slowly.
At a glance
| Drug class | calcium channel blocker (non-dihydropyridine); antiarrhythmic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Tiazac |
| Spanish | diltiazem |
| Also written | Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Tiazac |
Easy to confuse with
diazepam
A long-acting benzodiazepine drug used for anxiety, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal and seizures.
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.
calcium channel blocker
A drug that slows the movement of calcium into heart and blood vessel muscle cells, relaxing the vessels.
antiarrhythmic
A drug used to prevent or treat an abnormal heart rhythm.