Diltiazem HCL CD Extended-Release Capsules for Hypertension and Angina

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain from coronary artery spasm or chronic stable angina. It offers once-daily, controlled release to support steady blood levels and day-long effect. This page helps you review uses, strengths, safety, and how to access therapy that Ships from Canada to US; it also outlines options if you are comparing costs without insurance.

What Diltiazem HCL CD Is and How It Works

Diltiazem HCL CD® is an extended-release formulation of diltiazem hydrochloride. It belongs to the non-dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. The treatment decreases calcium entry into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. This relaxation can reduce blood pressure and lessen the heart’s workload. In angina, it may improve oxygen supply-demand balance by lowering heart rate and dilating coronary arteries.

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The formulation uses controlled-delivery beads to release medicine gradually over 24 hours. Effects include reduced peripheral resistance and modest slowing of atrioventricular conduction. It can help improve exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina when used as directed by a clinician.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults with Hypertension and for chronic stable angina or vasospastic angina. It may be used alone or with other antihypertensives when clinically appropriate.

People with severe hypotension, second- or third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker, cardiogenic shock, or recent acute myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion should avoid this medicine. Use caution in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, significant bradycardia, or hepatic impairment. Discuss pregnancy and lactation considerations with the prescriber.

Dosage and Usage

Diltiazem HCL CD capsules are taken once daily. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew or crush. If the label allows, some products may be opened and the beads sprinkled on soft food without chewing, but this varies by manufacturer, so follow your product’s patient information exactly.

Take the dose at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food, but be consistent. Do not switch between different extended-release diltiazem products without your clinician’s direction, as release profiles can differ. Your prescriber will select a starting dose and adjust based on response, heart rate, and tolerability.

Monitor blood pressure regularly with a validated device. Report symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or swelling of the ankles. Do not stop therapy without discussing a plan with your clinician.

Strengths and Forms

Extended-release capsules are commonly available in several strengths. Availability can vary by dispensing pharmacy.

• Capsules: 120 mg
• Capsules: 180 mg
• Capsules: 240 mg
• Capsules: 300 mg
• Capsules: 360 mg

Dosing strengths and specific release technologies (CD, XR, or similar) are not automatically interchangeable. Your prescriber and pharmacist will ensure the product matches your prescription.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is near the time for the next dose. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. Keeping a medication reminder can reduce missed doses.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules at room temperature in a dry place, away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date on the label.

When you travel, carry your medicine in your hand luggage in the original labeled container. Bring a copy of your prescription and your prescriber’s contact details. Avoid leaving medicine in a parked car or in direct sunlight. If your itinerary crosses time zones, keep your daily schedule consistent by using phone alarms.

An optional micro safety cue for many medicines: encrypted checkout and prescription verification help protect your personal information and ensure appropriate dispensing.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Not applicable. This therapy is an oral extended-release capsule and does not involve pens or sharps.

Benefits

This class can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which may reduce cardiovascular risk when part of a broader treatment plan. It may help decrease the frequency of exertional chest pain and improve exercise tolerance in chronic stable angina.

Once-daily dosing supports adherence. Controlled release may minimize peak-related side effects compared with some immediate-release formulations. It can be combined with other agents when appropriately monitored.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Flushing or warmth
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Peripheral edema (ankle swelling)

Serious effects are uncommon but may include marked bradycardia, AV block, severe hypotension, worsening heart failure, liver enzyme elevations, or hypersensitivity reactions. Seek urgent care for chest pain that changes in pattern, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or signs of liver injury such as dark urine or yellowing of the skin. People also taking beta-blockers should be monitored closely due to combined effects on heart rate and AV conduction.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Interactions can occur with other blood pressure or heart medicines. Combining with beta-blockers (such as atenolol) may increase the risk of bradycardia or heart block; coordination between clinicians is essential. Diltiazem is a CYP3A4 substrate and moderate inhibitor, which can raise levels of some statins and other drugs.

• Statins: limit simvastatin dose; monitor for myopathy
• Antiarrhythmics: digoxin, amiodarone, and others may require monitoring
• CYP3A inducers: rifampin or St. John’s wort may reduce effect
• CYP3A inhibitors: azole antifungals, macrolides may increase exposure
• Grapefruit: avoid due to potential interaction
• Acid suppressants and cimetidine: possible changes in exposure

For background on beta-blockers used in blood pressure care, see our guide Atenolol and Hypertension. For broader context on combined risk factors, review Managing Diabetes and Hypertension. You can also read about ACE inhibitors in Altace and Heart Health.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood pressure improvement is typically gradual. Chest pain frequency may lessen with continued use as part of a comprehensive plan. Your prescriber may adjust the dose based on measured blood pressure and heart rate. Maintaining daily use, tracking readings, and limiting missed doses can support a predictable response.

Healthy habits remain important. Follow dietary guidance, activity recommendations, and smoking cessation plans provided by your care team. Keep a list of all medicines and supplements you take and share it during check-ins.

Compare With Alternatives

Calcium channel blockers include non-dihydropyridines and dihydropyridines. Another non-dihydropyridine is Verapamil, which also affects heart rate and AV conduction. A dihydropyridine such as Norvasc (amlodipine) primarily relaxes vascular smooth muscle and generally does not slow heart rate.

Nifedipine extended-release is another dihydropyridine option sometimes used for blood pressure or vasospastic angina when appropriate. Choice depends on clinical goals, comorbidities, tolerance, and prescriber judgment.

Pricing and Access

Many patients look for value at cash pay. Review current options and see how Canadian pricing aligns with your budget. For coupons and periodic offers, visit our Promotions page. We provide US shipping from Canada with a secure checkout process.

If you are comparing therapies by out-of-pocket exposure, check total monthly quantity and refill frequency. Use the site to view available strengths and capsules, then place your order when your prescription is ready. Encrypted checkout protects payment details.

For clarity on common terms, you may compare unit counts and formulations rather than a single line item. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist to confirm your specific product’s release technology before ordering.

Availability and Substitutions

Product availability can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a selected capsule is not available, a prescriber may recommend an equivalent extended-release diltiazem from another manufacturer, or an alternative class option. Do not substitute products on your own due to differences in release characteristics.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults who need once-daily control for blood pressure or chronic angina and who can be monitored for heart rate effects. It may not suit individuals with significant conduction disorders, severe hypotension, or decompensated heart failure.

• Multi-month fills: reduce refill frequency and per-order fees
• Medication list: keep an updated list to avoid interactions
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts to maintain continuity
• Consistent dosing: take at the same time daily
• Lifestyle support: follow your care team’s diet and activity guidance

You can also explore related topics in our Cardiovascular category.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a non-dihydropyridine appropriate for my goals?
• How should I monitor heart rate and blood pressure at home?
• What signs or symptoms require prompt medical evaluation?
• Could my other medicines interact with this capsule?
• Which strength and release technology match my prescription?
• When should we reassess response and tolerability?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details, review the FDA DailyMed monograph for diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsules, which provides official label guidance on dosing, warnings, and interactions.

Health Canada’s Drug Product Database lists authorized products and formulations; consult the entry for diltiazem hydrochloride capsules to confirm Canadian labeling information.

Clinicians also reference FDA prescribing information for branded comparators to understand class effects and differences across extended-release technologies.

Order Diltiazem HCL CD online with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.