Adizem SR (diltiazem ER) is a generic version of a medication better known by the brand nameCardizem SR.

This product should not be confused with the very similarly named Adizem XL. Both products are sustained-release, but do differ:

• Adizem SR is designed to last 12 hours. Capsules are usually taken twice per day, 12 hours apart.
• Adizem XL is designed to last 24 hours. Capsules are usually taken once per day.

Diltiazem, the active ingredient in this product, is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes and widens blood vessels, which improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart. It also reduces the speed and strength of each heartbeat. All in all Adizem SR is good for:

• Mild to moderate hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Chronic stable angina
• Angina due to coronary artery spasm

Diltiazem is also used to treat certain types of heart arrhythmia, cluster headaches, and other conditions. These are off-label uses and if a doctor prescribes a diltiazem product to treat them, doctor instructions should be followed. While Adizem SR might be used, other formulas---regular-acting tablets or XL tablets---might be preferred.

Managing Hypertension

Adizem SR can be used on its own or with other hypertension medications to treat high blood pressure. It is most effective in mild to moderate cases; effects on severe hypertension are limited.

The medication is available in a range of strengths. Starting dosage will be determined by a doctor, according to the severity of the hypertension as well as other medical conditions and other medications being taken. Typically treatment looks like:

• Take one tablet in the morning.
• Dosage often starts at 90 mg, but may be raised if ineffective.

Dosing with Adizem SR is nearly always twice per day, but rarely a patient may be instructed to take just one per day. Always follow doctor instructions.

Effects are usually maximized within 14 days of starting treatment; results should not be evaluated before 7 to 14 days. If blood pressure is still high, dosage may be increased or another medication may be added.

Once an effective dose is found a patient may want to switch to the 24-hour XL version. While some certainly can do so, others find twice-per-day dosing is more effective. Speak to a doctor before switching and monitor effects closely.

Managing Angina

Adizem SR is also prescribed to help patients manage angina, or chest pain. Angina is often caused by lack of blood and oxygen being delivered to the heart muscle; Adizem SR's blood vessel widening properties can reduce this effect.

Patients who have angina can expect to have fewer incidences and, when (or if) they do happen, they'll be less severe. The medication is particularly helpful when angina occurs due to stress, either from physical exercise or emotional strain.

Treatment is very similar to treatment for hypertension:

• Take one tablet in the morning and a second 12 hours later.
• Dosage often starts at 90 mg, taken twice per day, but may be raised if ineffective.

In angina, effects are often noticeable after 7 days of treatment. If angina persists as usual or worsens during treatment, speak with a doctor.

Switching to a 24-hour version is also similar to hypertension; some patients find twice-per-day dosing is more effective. Speak to a doctor before switching.

Exercise & Diet

Individuals with hypertension and/or angina can benefit tremendously from making dietary changes, adopting an exercise regimen, and making other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or lowering cholesterol. That is, assuming a patient is able to make such changes---some aren't.

In most cases lifestyle changes are the only way to address the underlying issues and get off medications permanently. If such changes are not made, patients may remain on Adizem SR or a similar medication for the remainder of life.