FDA Approves BTA's Cardizem to Lower Hypertension

Cardizem is a medication distributed by BTA Pharmaceuticals that is used to treat severe chest pain and high blood pressure.

Cardizem works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Cardizem is considered a calcium channel blocker. The medication is administered in several different ways, most commonly through a capsule.

Cardizem is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by slowing the electrical conduction in the heart, slowing heart rate, and/or normalizing heart rhythm.

Cardizem is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders (supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation).

Cardizem may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prior to the introduction of generics in 1999, Cardizem CD had been one of the most prescribed therapies for high blood pressure and chest pain in North America. The Cardizem brand was first introduced in 1982, with Cardizem tablets.

Cardizem belongs to a class of cardiovascular drugs known as calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and works by relaxing and widening the coronary arteries so a greater volume of blood can circulate through them. This action increases the volume of oxygen-rich blood reaching the heart, in turn reducing blood pressure and heart rate.