Diltiazem belongs to which category of drugs?

Diltiazem is classified as a calcium channel blocker. This class of medications works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions through L-type calcium channels in the vascular smooth muscle and cardiac tissue. By blocking calcium entry, diltiazem causes relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation, which reduces blood pressure and alleviates the heart's workload. Additionally, it has effects on heart rate and contractility, which can help manage conditions like hypertension and angina.

The mechanism of action is central to its therapeutic uses in cardiovascular conditions, distinguishing diltiazem from other drug classes such as loop diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors, which operate through entirely different pathways and mechanisms in the body.