The Basics
What is Diltiazem?
Used to treat high blood pressure and to control chest pain (angina).
Brand names for Diltiazem
Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Dilt-CD, Diltia XT, Dilt-XR, Diltzac, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Tiazac
How Diltiazem is classified
Antihypertensive Agents, Calcium Channel Blockers, Antiarrhythmics, Vasodilator Agents
Diltiazem During Pregnancy
Diltiazem pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Diltiazem while pregnant
Reproduction studies have been conducted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Administration of doses ranging from five to ten times (on a mg/kg basis) the daily recommended therapeutic dose has resulted in embryo and fetal lethality. These doses, in some studies, have been reported to cause skeletal abnormalities. In the perinatal/postnatal studies, there was an increased incidence of stillbirths at doses of 20 times the human dose or greater. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, use diltiazem in pregnant women only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.
Taking Diltiazem While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Diltiazem?
Based on limited data, amounts of diltiazem ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Based on limited data, amounts of diltiazem ingested by the infant are small and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Possible effects of Diltiazem on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Diltiazem
Nifedipine, Verapamil.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Okada M, Inoue H, Nakamura Y et al. Excretion of diltiazem in human milk. N Engl J Med. 1985;312:992-3. PMID: 3974691
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.