HelixTalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College of Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we “deep dive” into diltiazem, describing its most important drug facts, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, AB compatibility, and important medication safety issues.

Key Concepts

  1. Diltiazem is a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB). This type of CCB reduces both heart rate and blood pressure whereas dihydropyridine CCBs only reduce blood pressure.
  2. Diltiazem has numerous dosage forms (IV, immediate release tablets, and extended-release products). Extended-release products are always dosed once or twice daily. Historically there were a significant number of extended-release capsules with a variety of brand names and AB-compatibility. Today, only a few branded products still exist in the US market (Cardizem CD, Cartia XT, Cardizem LA, Tiazac, Taztia XT).
  3. The FDA Orange Book describes “AB” compatibility, which outlines whether one formulation is therapeutically equivalent to another formulation. Depending on state law, pharmacists can use AB compatibility codes to automatically substitute formulations without notifying the prescriber.
  4. The numerous dosage forms of diltiazem is a medication safety issue. Remember that immediate release diltiazem is always dosed TID/QID (3-4 times per day) whereas extended-release formulations are always dosed once daily. A twice-daily extended-release product was previously on the market but has since been discontinued.
Direct download: 151-diltiazem.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

In this episode, the hosts of the HelixTalk reflect back on the history and making of HelixTalk to commemorate the 150th episode. We review each of our three favorite episodes and with a brief reflection on the episode content. We have come a long way from where we began and it is all thanks to the wonderful listeners and contributors who have a common thing in mind: a quest and thirst for knowledge!

Links to Previous Episodes:

  1. #50 - Three shocking recommendations from CHEST 2016 that will blow your mind (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-50--three-shocking-recommendations-from-chest-2016-that-will-blow-your-mind/)
  2. #29, 30, and 31 - Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-29--therapeutic-drug-monitoring-i/, https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-30--therapeutic-drug-monitoring-ii/, https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-31--therapeutic-drug-monitoring-iii/)
  3. #111 - The Basics of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Non-Oncology Healthcare Providers (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-111-the-basics-of-immune-checkpoint-inhibitors-for-non-oncology-healthcare-providers/)
  4. #51 - Pharmacists to the rescue! (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-51--pharmacists-to-the-rescue/)
  5. #124 - The ABCs of EUAs: Understanding FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-124-the-abcs-of-euas-understanding-fda-emergency-use-authorizations/)
  6. #123 - Dr. Rosalind Franklin: Beyond Photo 51 (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-123-dr-rosalind-franklin-beyond-photo-51/)
  7. #137 - It’s Time for PBM Reform: How PBMs Have Hurt Pharmacies and Increased Drug Costs (https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-pharmacy/helixtalk/helixtalk-episode-137-it-s-time-for-pbm-reform-how-pbms-have-hurt-pharmacies-and-increased-drug-costs/)
Direct download: 150-reflections.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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