Diltiazem MR is the non-proprietary name for a calcium channel blocker better known by the brand name Cardizem.

Calcium channel blockers relax and widen blood vessels while reducing the rate and strength of each heart beat. These actions lower blood pressure, increase blood and oxygen supply to the heart, and reduce strain on the heart. Patients usually buy Diltiazem MR to help manage:

• Mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic stable angina
• Angina due to coronary artery spasm

Off-label patients buy Diltiazem MR to manage:

• Certain heart arrhythmias
• Cluster headaches
• Raynaud's disease/phenomenon
• Tardive dyskinesia

Diltiazem MR is not a cure for any condition; unless other measures are taken to resolve the problem, it will likely return if treatment ends.

Different Diltiazem Products

It's possible to buy diltiazem MR under a wide range of generic names as well as brand names. There are also many slight variations, most of which have to do with frequency of administration.

This can be a very confusing subject, so we'll try to clear it up a little:

• The most significant difference between products is frequency of dosing, ranging from three or four times per day to just once per day, depending on the formulation.
• A lesser difference is whether the medication comes in tablets or capsules.
• There is a great deal of variation between capsules; some must be swallowed whole, while others can be opened and sprinkled on soft foods.

The MR in Diltiazem MR stands for modified release. This medication comes in tablets and should be taken three times per day.

To compare, Diltiazem XL is usually taken once per day, while Diltiazem SR is usually taken twice per day.

Taking fewer doses per day is convenient, but some patients respond better to more frequent dosing. At the start of treatment more frequent, faster-acting tablets are also beneficial until patient tolerance to side effects is determined. A doctor, who can take into account personal variables like other medical conditions and other medications being taken, as well as the condition treated with Diltiazem, is best equipped to determine which formulation is ideal for a given patient.

Note that different formulations are not always interchangeable; speak with a doctor before switching.

Official Uses

Most patients buy Diltiazem MR to treat hypertension or angina, which is what the medication is approved for. In both cases treatment should be individualized, which means patients will likely need to attend frequent doctor visits until an effective dose is established.

Treatment is typically:

• Patients are usually started on 60 mg three times per day (180 mg total per day).
• After 7 to 14 days results should be evaluated and dosage increased if needed.
• Treatment should not exceed 160 mg three times per day (480 mg total per day).

Benefit should be significant after 7 days for angina and 14 days for hypertension. If a higher dose of 480 mg is still not managing hypertension, another medication will likely be added rather than further increasing dosage.

Patients who buy Diltiazem MR to treat angina can expect fewer angina attacks, but the medication won't necessarily eliminate them entirely, particularly if under physical or mental strain. Patients are usually given a prescription for a fast-acting rescue treatment to use in the event of an attack as well as one to buy Diltiazem MR.

In both cases ending treatment abruptly can cause the conditions to resurge, which can be dangerous. Dosage is best gradually reduced over time. Diltiazem can be taken for as long as it provides benefit, which for some patients will be for the remainder of life.

Off-Label Uses

Off-label uses are legal provided a doctor prescribes the medication. Off-label, most patients buy Diltiazem MR to treat certain heart arrhythmias; the medication can be quite helpful in this area as the medication slows heart rate. However, in other types of arrhythmias, the medication can be harmful---do not buy Diltiazem MR to treat an arrhythmia without doctor approval.

Other off-label uses are less clear. It is used to prevent cluster headaches, working on the theory that they're vascular in origin. Benefits are similar in Raynaud's disease or syndrome; vascular dilation improves blood flow to the extremities. Use in tardive dyskinesia is still largely experimental.

Dosage and formulation of Diltiazem can vary widely with these conditions, as do results. A doctor should be consulted before attempting to treat them with any Diltiazem product.

Your Health is Our Business

Hypertension and angina are serious conditions that can detract from quality of life, independence, and even duration of life. Diltiazem MR will help patients manage these conditions, extending life and maintaining or improving its quality.

As New Zealand's oldest and most-trusted online pharmacy, Kiwi Drug's goal has always been to offer affordable, hassle-free access to vital medications. Our expedited purchasing system ensures your order will be processed quickly and discreetly, while our state-of-the-art security systems ensure your personal data is safe. We will never share your personal information with anyone for any reason.

A prescription is needed to buy Diltiazem MR; if you don't have one, our online doctor may be able to issue one for you---simply answer the questions provided during checkout. There is no extra charge for this service.

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

We're always here to help if you have any questions or need a hand with your order!