Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Class: Calcium-Entry Blocking Agent (Antidysrhythmic Agent Class IV)

Mechanism: Binds L-type Ca²⁺ channels® ¯ Ca²⁺ in arterial smooth muscle cells ® vasodilation ® ¯ TPR, ­ coronary blood flow, ¯ cardiac afterload. Little/no effect on venous vessels. ¯ inotropy, chronotropy, & dromotropy. Net = ¯ HR, ¯ contractility, ¯ BP. May inhib. platelet aggreg.

Absorption: Oral ® nearly complete absorption. 1^st pass Metabolism®¯ bioavail. IV.

Dist.: Significant protein binding.

Metabolism.: Hepatic. Inducible Metabolism. Inhib. hepatic enzymes. Active Metabolismolites.

Excretion, t½: 1.5-6 hr. Repeated oral dose ® ­ t½ due to hepatic saturation. Longer t½ in elderly or pts w/hepatic cirrhosis or renal insuff.

Toxicity/S.E.s: Dizziness, hypotension, headache, flushing, edema, constipation (less than verapamil), bradycardia, gingival hyperplasia. Aggravation of myocardial ischemia (less than w/DHPs). ­ digoxin levels. C/i for pts. w/systolic BP<90 style=""> C/i w/CHF, b-blockers, quinidine.

Utility: Rx angina (stable, variant, unstable). Supraventricular tachycardia, reentry arrhyth..