diltiazem: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Professional/Technical Vocabulary)Highly technical/medical
Quick answer
What does “diltiazem” mean?
A drug used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain heart conditions, such as angina.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A drug used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain heart conditions, such as angina.
A benzothiazepine-derivative calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate to improve blood flow and reduce cardiac workload. It is also used off-label for certain arrhythmias.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Pronunciation of the final syllable may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Identical frequency, used only in medical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “diltiazem” in a Sentence
The cardiologist prescribed [diltiazem] for the patient's angina.The patient takes [240mg of diltiazem] daily.[Diltiazem] is contraindicated in patients with severe bradycardia.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, marketing, and regulatory contexts.
Academic
Used in medical and pharmacology textbooks, research papers, and clinical studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Only used by patients discussing their specific medication with healthcare providers.
Technical
The primary context. Used in clinical diagnosis, treatment plans, patient notes, and drug formularies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diltiazem”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diltiazem”
- Incorrect Pronunciation: Pronouncing the 'z' as /s/ (diltiasem) or misplacing stress (e.g., /ˈdɪl.ti.ə.zem/).
- Spelling: Common misspellings include 'diltiazam', 'diltiazim', 'diltiazen'.
- Grammatical: Attempting to use it as a verb or adjective (e.g., 'The doctor diltiazemed the patient').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain caused by angina.
It is generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol as it can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects and the risk of side effects like dizziness.
Diltiazem is the generic (non-proprietary) name. Common brand names include Cardizem and Tiazac.
Immediate-release forms start working within 1-3 hours, while long-acting formulations provide control over 24 hours. It may take up to two weeks for the full blood pressure-lowering effect to be seen.
A drug used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and certain heart conditions, such as angina.
Diltiazem is usually highly technical/medical in register.
Diltiazem: in British English it is pronounced /dɪlˈtaɪ.ə.zɛm/ or /dɪlˈtiː.ə.zɛm/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪlˈtaɪ.əˌzɛm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DILTIAZEM: DILates The arteries, Zaps Excess heart Muscle stress.
Conceptual Metaphor
METAPHOR: A valve controller for the heart's plumbing. It eases the pressure in the pipes and slows the pump.
Practice
Quiz
What class of drug is diltiazem?