A patient has been prescribed diltiazem and asks the nurse why this drug is needed. The nurse explains that diltiazem is used in the treatment of:
Explanation
• Diltiazem is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used in the treatment of arrhythmias and/or hypertension.
• Calcium channel blockers, especially diltiazem, are generally not used to treat congestive heart failure. One reason is because peripheral edema is a common side effect.
• Calcium channel blockers are not indicated for the treatment of hyperlipidemia or deep vein thrombosis.