Diltiazem HCl is a calcium channel blocker that is commonly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. The 130 mg rectal suppository formulation of Diltiazem HCl provides an alternative route of administration for patients who may be unable to take oral medications or require immediate drug absorption. This solid dosage form is designed to be inserted into the rectum, where it dissolves or melts, allowing the medication to be absorbed through the rectal mucosa. This can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing nausea or vomiting, or for those with swallowing difficulties.

The rectal administration of Diltiazem HCl can lead to both local and systemic effects. Locally, it can exert a direct effect on the rectal and surrounding pelvic vasculature, potentially providing relief from anal fissures through its vasodilatory action. Systemically, the absorbed drug works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions during the contraction of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and systemic arteries, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which can alleviate the symptoms of angina. Additionally, by slowing down the electrical conduction in the heart, it can help to manage certain types of arrhythmias.

It is important for both patients and prescribers to understand that the bioavailability of diltiazem may vary when administered rectally compared to oral administration, and dosing adjustments may be necessary. Monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is recommended to ensure therapeutic effectiveness and to avoid potential adverse effects such as hypotension or bradycardia. As with any medication, the use of Diltiazem HCl rectal suppositories should be guided by a healthcare professional, taking into account the patient's medical history, concomitant medications, and specific condition being treated.

For those considering the use of Diltiazem HCl 130 mg rectal suppositories, or for healthcare providers looking to prescribe this formulation, please reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy for further information and guidance. Our team of compounding pharmacists is equipped to answer your questions and provide the necessary support to ensure safe and effective treatment with this medication.

Diltiazem HCl is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders. When formulated as a 130 mg rectal suppository, diltiazem is absorbed through the rectal mucosa and enters the systemic circulation, exerting its effects by dilating blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart. This can help to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the heart, and control heart rate.

When considering the use of diltiazem in any form, it is important to be aware of potential drug interactions that may affect its efficacy or increase the risk of adverse effects. Diltiazem is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, and thus, drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme can alter diltiazem levels. For example, concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir can increase diltiazem plasma concentrations, potentially leading to toxicity. Conversely, CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin or St. John's Wort can decrease diltiazem levels, reducing its therapeutic effect.

Additionally, diltiazem can interact with other cardiovascular drugs. It can enhance the effects of other antihypertensive agents, leading to an increased risk of hypotension. When used with beta-blockers or digoxin, there is a risk of bradycardia or heart block. Careful monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is advised when these drugs are used concurrently. Diltiazem also has the potential to increase serum levels of statins metabolized by CYP3A4, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin, which could increase the risk of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

Patients taking diltiazem should avoid consuming grapefruit juice, as it contains compounds that inhibit CYP3A4, potentially leading to increased levels of the drug and a higher risk of adverse effects. Additionally, diltiazem can interact with certain antiarrhythmic drugs, such as amiodarone or quinidine, which may lead to an increased risk of cardiac side effects. It is also important to monitor blood pressure when diltiazem is co-administered with antihypertensive agents or drugs that lower blood pressure as a side effect, to avoid excessive hypotension.

For patients with diabetes, it is important to note that diltiazem may affect blood glucose levels, and adjustments to diabetes medication may be necessary. Patients should also be counseled on the signs of hypotension, such as dizziness or fainting, and advised to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider.

It is crucial for prescribers to review all medications that a patient is taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, to identify any potential interactions before prescribing diltiazem suppositories. Adjustments to therapy or additional monitoring may be required to ensure safe and effective use of this medication.

If you have any questions or require further information regarding drug interactions with diltiazem HCl rectal suppositories, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is here to provide the support and guidance needed to optimize patient care.

Diltiazem HCl, the active ingredient in this formulation, is a calcium channel blocker that works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This action results in the dilation of the coronary and systemic arteries, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and an improvement in blood flow. When formulated as a 130 mg rectal suppository, diltiazem is designed to be inserted into the rectum where it can dissolve or melt, allowing the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rich vascular supply of the rectal mucosa.

This route of administration can be particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to take medications orally due to nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. Additionally, rectal administration can provide a more rapid onset of action compared to oral administration, which can be crucial in certain acute situations. The rectal suppository form of diltiazem is used for the treatment of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary artery disease), and certain types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). By relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart, diltiazem helps to control these disease states.

For patients, it is important to understand that while the suppository is designed for rectal use, it can still have systemic effects. This means that while the medication is working locally to be absorbed, it can affect the entire body, similar to if it were taken by mouth. Patients should be aware of potential side effects, such as dizziness, headache, or a drop in blood pressure, and should be counseled on proper insertion techniques to ensure the suppository is used correctly and effectively.

Prescribers should consider the rectal suppository form of diltiazem for patients who require an alternative to oral medication or for those who need rapid control of their symptoms. It is also important for prescribers to monitor patients for therapeutic effectiveness and any adverse effects, adjusting the dosage as necessary to achieve the desired response. As with any medication, the use of diltiazem rectal suppositories should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications and other pharmacologic interventions as indicated.

If you have any questions or require further information about the diltiazem HCl 130 mg rectal suppository, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of compounding pharmacists is here to provide guidance and support to ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.

Diltiazem hydrochloride (HCl) is a calcium channel blocker that is typically indicated for the management of chronic stable angina, angina due to coronary artery spasm, and hypertension. As a rectal suppository, its primary use involves delivering local or systemic therapeutic effects when oral administration is not possible for reasons such as difficulty swallowing, nausea, or vomiting. However, beyond these standard indications, diltiazem HCl rectal suppositories may have additional applications that could be relevant for patient care.

For instance, diltiazem rectal suppositories have been used for the treatment of anal fissures. Their ability to promote smooth muscle relaxation within the anorectal region can facilitate healing by reducing the sphincter spasm and decreasing anal canal pressure. Moreover, they have been utilized to manage conditions associated with non-cardiac-related smooth muscle spasms such as spasticity affecting the gastrointestinal or urogenital tract, providing an alternative route of administration when oral delivery is contraindicated or less effective.

Occasionally, diltiazem suppositories may be used off-label for other medical conditions as determined by the clinician where the relaxation of smooth muscle can prove beneficial. The systemic effects of diltiazem as a calcium channel blocker can also be leveraged in suppository form in patients unable to take medications orally, but these situations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering all patient-specific factors including existing health conditions and concomitant medications.

In any case, it is important for prescribers to monitor for systemic side effects similar to those observed with oral administration when prescribing diltiazem rectal suppositories, including but not limited to dizziness, hypotension, bradycardia, and peripheral edema. Patients should also be made aware of the potential for local irritation or discomfort associated with the use of rectal suppositories and be given instructions on proper administration techniques to mitigate such issues.

If you, as a patient or prescriber, have any questions regarding the use of diltiazem HCl rectal suppositories for indications other than those commonly associated with this medication, we encourage you to reach out to us at Bayview Pharmacy. Our team of expert compounding pharmacists is available to provide you with the information and guidance necessary to ensure optimal medication use and patient care.