DILTIAZEM HCL: EVALUATION OF IT’S PRESENCE IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris as well as for angina pectoris caused by a coronary arterial spasm and systemic hypertension. In spite of these life-saving health benefits, this drug molecule has been found to be losing its market value in Bangladesh due its side effects and relative high price, resulting in the replacement by newer generations of the drug molecule. Physicians are finding the later generations of this molecule to be also more effective although there are several side effects associated with them. Diltiazem was generally indicated for the management of chronic stable angina and angina due to coronary artery spasm. One limitation of standard oral formulations of calcium antagonists has been found to be the need for multiple dosing on a daily basis. The sustained release (SR) form of the drug has been found to result in better compliance, reducing the frequency of dosage and in the end, the most important thing, maintaining a uniform drug concentration in the body. Transdermal delivery system of the drug can also be considered for the delivery of diltiazem HCL to achieve the effective plasma concentration for prolonged periods of time for the management of hypertension.