Mode of action
Diltiazem (benzthiazepine) impedes calcium transport across myocardial and vascular smooth muscle membranes.
The effects of this include:
- prolongation of the slow component of action potential - effectively prolonging the refractory period
- slowing conduction at the SA and AV node
- less negative inotropy than verapamil
- peripheral vasodilatation and a reduction in cardiac load
The combined effect of reducing cardiac load and of reducing myocardial contractility results in reduced myocardial oxygen requirements.
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