Cardizem CD® (Diltiazem HCL CD) Controlled‑Delivery Capsules Overview

What Diltiazem HCL CD Is and How It Works

Diltiazem HCL CD is a controlled‑delivery, once‑daily form of diltiazem used to treat high blood pressure and chronic stable angina. Many people search for Diltiazem HCL CD buy options to compare cost and US shipping, including those paying without insurance. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brand medications alongside generics at affordable prices and with a broad selection.

Diltiazem is a non‑dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It relaxes arterial smooth muscle, lowers afterload, and reduces heart rate and contractility. The CD (controlled‑delivery) form spreads release over 24 hours to maintain steady levels with one daily dose. Typical strengths include 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, and 360 mg capsules. Your prescriber selects the strength based on your response and condition.

For hypertension, steady 24‑hour control helps lower the risk of stroke and heart attack when used as part of a broader plan. For angina, diltiazem reduces oxygen demand and improves coronary blood flow, which can reduce chest pain episodes and improve exercise tolerance. The capsule should be swallowed whole and taken at the same time each day.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual initiation for hypertension: once daily controlled‑delivery capsule, commonly 180–240 mg. Titrate at 1–2 week intervals to effect. Maximum daily dose often 480 mg.
• Usual initiation for chronic stable angina: 120–180 mg once daily. Adjust based on symptoms and heart rate as directed by the prescriber.
• Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush, open, or chew. The release system depends on the intact capsule.
• Take at the same time each day, with or without food. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice because it can raise diltiazem levels.
• If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Do not stop abruptly without medical guidance, especially if used for angina or rate control.
• Report slow pulse, dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling, or fainting to a clinician.

• Store your capsules at 15–25°C (59–77°F) in a dry place away from light.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and use the original packaging while traveling.
• Carry extra doses in your hand luggage in case of delays.
• If traveling across time zones, keep your once‑daily schedule consistent based on hours since last dose.
• Do not leave your medicine in a parked car or near heat sources.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Use a child‑resistant cap.

Benefits and Savings

Diltiazem HCL CD offers 24‑hour blood‑pressure control with once‑daily dosing. Many patients see fewer angina episodes and better exercise capacity. The CD form provides steadier levels than immediate‑release tablets, which can improve tolerability and adherence.

Ordering online can reduce the Diltiazem HCL CD price and overall treatment cost. Compared with typical US prices, YouDrugstore customers often save 60–80%, whether paying cash or managing care without insurance. You can also lower the per‑month cost by choosing multi‑month supplies when appropriate.

To check current site deals, visit our promotions page for a Diltiazem HCL CD coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: headache, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, nausea, constipation, ankle swelling (peripheral edema).
• Cardiac: slow heart rate (bradycardia), palpitations, low blood pressure.
• Neurologic: lightheadedness, weakness.
• Gastrointestinal: stomach discomfort, diarrhea or constipation.
• Dermatologic: mild rash or itching.

Serious but less common risks include atrioventricular (AV) block, heart failure worsening, severe hypotension, significant liver enzyme elevations, and allergic reactions. Diltiazem may interact with beta‑blockers (added risk of slow heart rate or AV block), digoxin (increased levels), and CYP3A4 substrates (for example, dose limits may apply with simvastatin). Avoid grapefruit. Do not use with sick sinus syndrome or second/third‑degree AV block unless a pacemaker is present. Use caution with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations with a clinician.

Onset Time

After the first controlled‑delivery dose, blood‑pressure lowering begins within hours and builds over the first week. Most patients reach a stable response 1–2 weeks after a dose change. Angina relief can start within days and typically improves as the dose is optimized. Consistent daily use is important for steady control.

Compare With Alternatives

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that mainly relaxes blood vessels without heart‑rate slowing. It is often chosen when ankle swelling is manageable and a pure vasodilator is preferred. You can review Amlodipine as another once‑daily option.

Beta‑blockers such as atenolol can help in angina and rate control, but they work differently by reducing heart rate and contractility. Some patients who do not tolerate diltiazem’s heart‑rate effects might switch or combine under supervision. See Tenormin® for a branded atenolol option.

ACE inhibitors or ARBs are frequently combined with calcium channel blockers in hypertension to broaden control and reduce side effects like edema. Each drug class has distinct benefits and precautions, so therapy is personalized.

Combination Therapy

• With ACE inhibitor or ARB: common pairing for hypertension; complementary blood‑pressure control.
• With thiazide diuretic: useful for resistant hypertension; watch electrolytes and kidney function.
• With beta‑blocker: may be used for angina or rate control; monitor for bradycardia or AV block and adjust doses accordingly.
• With statins: use lowest effective statin dose; simvastatin dose limits often apply when taken with diltiazem.
• With digoxin: diltiazem can raise digoxin levels; periodic monitoring may be needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with hypertension or chronic stable angina who benefit from once‑daily therapy. Those with severe hypotension, advanced AV block without a pacemaker, sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker, recent acute myocardial infarction with pulmonary congestion, or decompensated heart failure may not be suitable. Liver impairment and drug interactions can require dose adjustments and extra monitoring.

To manage the Diltiazem HCL CD cost, consider multi‑month supplies when appropriate, which can reduce shipping fees per dose. Set gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. If paying cash or shopping without insurance, comparing strengths and quantities may help you find the best value per month.

Authoritative Sources

Cardizem CD official site

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Diltiazem listings

DailyMed: Diltiazem hydrochloride extended‑release capsules labeling

Order Cardizem CD® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient information that comes with your medicine.