DILTIAZEM

Güler ÜNLÜ*, Nevin ÇELEBI**,o, Ilbeyi AGABEYOGLU**

*Refik Saydam Centram Institute of Hygiene, Drug, Cosmetics and Research Department, 06100 Sihhiye, Ankara, TURKEY. **Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, 06330 Etiler, Ankara, TURKEY.
oCorresponding Author

Summary:
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocking agent used for the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases,particularly angina pectoris.It shows high first pass elimination.If given on a long term basis this may lead to unexpected accumulation, probably due to saturation of the elimination pathway.Therefore the bioavailability of diltiazem is important.The physicochemical and pharmacological properties, assay,pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of diltiazem were reviewed.

Key words:
Diltiazem, Calcium channel blocking agent, Pharmacokinetics, Bioavailability