META: Diltiazem XL is a calcium channel blocker used to help manage hypertension, angina, heart arrhythmias, and other conditions.

Diltiazem XL is the non-proprietary name for the extended-release version of a calcium channel blocker. This medication is available under a very wide range of generic names; some patients may recognize its more popular brand name of Cardizem SR.

The regular version of this medication is used to treat a variety of conditions, some of which are off-label:

• Mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic stable angina
• Angina due to coronary artery spasm
• Certain heart arrhythmias
• Cluster headaches
• Raynaud's disease/phenomenon
• Tardive dyskinesia

While both regular-acting and sustained-release versions of the medication can be used in all scenarios, in general patients typically find that regular tablets work better for some conditions while sustained-release work better for others:

• Patients who have hypertension, heart arrhythmias, cluster headaches and Raynaud's phenomenon may want to buy Diltiazem XL.
• Patients with angina may do better with regular Diltiazem.

Again many patients deviate from the above and may find---or a doctor may suggest---a different formulation for a given condition.

With respect to buying Diltiazem XL to treat tardive dyskinesia---a group of movement disorders often caused by antipsychotic medications---the medication is still being studied and there is no consensus on which formulation is better.

An Potent Vasodilator

Most patients buy Diltiazem XL for its vasodilation effects; the medication relaxes and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow while reducing restriction. This action lowers blood pressure, improves blood and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, and improves blood flow all over. It also reduces the overall strain on the heart.

Angina is often caused by restricted blood and oxygen delivery to the heart, so the medication is often prescribed to individuals who suffer from such. In general episodes of angina are less frequent---sometimes eliminated entirely---and when the do happen, they're less severe. Patients who still experience angina will likely be given another prescription to abort acute attacks.

Raynaud's disease/phenomena involves vasoconstriction, usually of the extremities, in response to cold. While this is natural to some extent, in Raynaud's phenomena it's more severe than usual, often to the point of producing numbness or pain. There are few truly effective treatments out there; some patients do buy Diltiazem XL to help prevent vasoconstriction, but others will find the medication provides little benefit. Prevention---avoiding exposure to cold---is still the best defense.

Many patients use Diltiazem to help prevent cluster headaches, working on the theory that they're vascular in origin rather than trigeminal. In theory the XL version would work well for preventive measures, but some patients find regular versions to be more effective.

Regulating Heartbeat

Diltiazem XL (and regular Diltiazem) reduces the speed and strength of each heart beat. While this can obviously produce benefit in certain heart arrhythmias, in other types it can worsen them. Patients should not buy Diltiazem XL to treat a heart arrhythmia without explicit doctor approval.

This effect on the heart also helps lower blood pressure, along with its vasodilation effects. Patients buy Diltiazem XL on its own or along with other blood pressure-reducing medications.

Regardless of what it's used for, Diltiazem XL is not a cure. If other measures are not taken to address the issue being treated, it will likely return when treatment with Diltiazem XL ends. The medication can be taken for as long as it provides benefit, sometimes for the remainder of life.

Other Considerations

All patients should discuss risks carefully with a doctor before buying Diltiazem XL if there is a history of:

• Sick sinus syndrome
• Severe bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• Heart failure
• Left ventricular failure
• Atrioventricular block

All calcium channel blockers will lower blood pressure and slow heart rate. Patients who have any medical condition or who take medications that reduce blood pressure and/or influence heart rate should use this product with caution. Be sure to inform the prescribing doctor of all other medical conditions and medications being taken, including over-the-counter varieties. Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how trivial they may seem.

Diltiazem XL should not be used while pregnant if at all avoidable. It is safe for use while breastfeeding.

Just what the Doctor Ordered---Delivered to your Door

Diltiazem XL helps patients treat serious conditions that can significantly detract from quality of life. Patients have a wide range of Diltiazem options at Kiwi Drug---ranging from regular to sustained-release and brand name to generic---and with our expedited ordering system, patients can be confident that their orders will be processed quickly, discreetly, and correctly---every time.

A prescription is needed to buy Diltiazem XL at Kiwi Drug; those who don't have one may be issued one by our online doctor at no extra charge. Simply begin checkout to proceed. You'll be asked some questions about your medical history and other medications being taken on the next screen.

Patients who already have a prescription to buy Diltiazem XL will be given options to transfer it to us after completing checkout.

If you have any questions or encounter a problem, please don't hesitate to let us know---help is just a click away!