Angiotrofin

Diltiazem

Method of action: Antianginal, Antiarrhythmic, Antihypertensive, Hypotensive, Vasodilator

Treatment option: Hypertensive Emergency, Hypertension, Ventricular Tachycardia, Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia, Seizure Prophylaxis, Angina Pectoris, Tachycardia, Atrial flutter

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Angiotrofin

Property	Description
Active Ingredient	Diltiazem Hydrochloride
Form	Tablet, Capsule, Solution (for injection)
Pharmacological Class	Calcium Channel Blocker (Non-dihydropyridine)
Common Use	Management of abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure
Origin	Synthetic (Benzothiazepine derivative)

What Type of Medication is Angiotrofin?

Angiotrofin is a prescription pharmaceutical brand, often associated with manufacturers like Armstrong Laboratorios, whose active ingredient is Diltiazem Hydrochloride. This substance is a synthetic compound derived from the Benzothiazepine chemical structure. This molecule functions as a Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB), inhibiting the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into specific cells. The core classification of Diltiazem as a calcium channel antagonist is clinically recognized for its ability to affect the relaxation of smooth muscle in the vascular system. As a single-ingredient product, Angiotrofin is administered through the oral route using tablets or capsules, and the intravenous (parenteral) route using a sterile solution, providing flexibility in clinical settings.

Angiotrofin's Dual Pharmacological Classification

Angiotrofin is primarily categorized as a Non-dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker. This classification is a key differentiating factor as it confers intermediate specificity, influencing both the heart's intrinsic electrical functions and the arterial system. This dual action contributes to its utility in controlling the electrical pathways of the heart. Diltiazem is consistently classified as a Group IV Antiarrhythmic agent, which means it helps modulate the speed of electrical conduction in the heart, a feature beneficial in managing rapid or irregular heartbeats.

General Purpose and Forms of Angiotrofin

The general purpose of Angiotrofin is to act as an antihypertensive and an anti-arrhythmic agent, reducing the functional workload on the circulatory system. This general benefit is achieved by its primary mechanism as a slow channel blocker, resulting in peripheral vasodilation (vessel relaxation) and a controlled decrease in heart rate. The medication is prepared in various dosage forms, notably including specific extended-release (retard) tablets and capsules designed for sustained oral action, a common focus for patient adherence and consistent symptom management.

Regulatory References

Group IV Antiarrhythmic

What side effects are possible with Angiotrofin?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Angiotrofin, whose active ingredient is Diltiazem Hydrochloride, is formally documented in government regulatory labeling. Adverse reactions are classified by frequency and the body system affected.

Adverse Reaction Scope

Classification	Examples of Officially Listed Effects	System-Organ Class
Common (1% to 10%)	Headache, Dizziness, Peripheral Edema (swelling), Bradycardia, First-degree AV block, Constipation, Nausea, Hypotension, Flushing.	Nervous System, Vascular, Cardiac, Gastrointestinal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%)	Insomnia, Nervousness, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Orthostatic hypotension.	Psychiatric, Gastrointestinal, Vascular
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%)	Acute hepatic injury, Second-degree AV block, Dry mouth.	Hepatobiliary, Cardiac, Gastrointestinal
Frequency Not Known (Post-marketing)	Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Congestive Heart Failure, Asystole, Gingival Hyperplasia.	Skin, Cardiac, Gastrointestinal

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The official labeling notes specific, clinically significant adverse reactions and important restrictions. Serious events documented include High-degree AV block (second- or third-degree), severe Hypotension, aggravation or development of Congestive Heart Failure, and rare, potentially life-threatening Severe Cutaneous Reactions (SJS/TEN). Acute hepatic injury has been reported, typically early in therapy (1 to 8 weeks), and is generally reversible upon discontinuation.

Formal Contraindications restrict use in patients with conditions such as Sick Sinus Syndrome (without a functional pacemaker), pre-existing severe Hypotension, and certain forms of Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter associated with accessory bypass tracts. Regulatory safety notes advise caution in older adults and those with impaired hepatic or renal function due to documented changes in drug exposure.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documents state that an overdose of Angiotrofin (Diltiazem) is primarily characterized by severe effects on the cardiovascular system. Due to the potential for life-threatening complications, the immediate action required is to seek immediate medical attention.

Documented Overdose Presentations Overdose may present with profound hypotension (severely low blood pressure) and severe bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rates). The electrical system of the heart is affected, potentially leading to high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. Documented severe outcomes include cardiac failure and asystole (cardiac arrest).

Mandated Emergency Intervention Regulatory guidance emphasizes that help must be sought immediately if severe manifestations are suspected. Following acute ingestion, immediate discontinuation of the drug is required. Because no specific antidote is known, the management focuses entirely on supportive measures explicitly described in official labeling. These include specific procedural interventions such as the administration of Atropine for bradycardia, the use of vasopressors for low blood pressure, and cardiac pacing for fixed high-degree AV block.

Connection to the Overall Overdose Profile The official profile defines the overdose risk by the potential for rapid, severe, and sustained cardiovascular decompensation. The explicit requirement to seek immediate medical attention underscores the urgent and life-threatening nature of these documented physiological changes.

Therapeutic Uses of Angiotrofin

The primary therapeutic benefit of Angiotrofin, whose active ingredient is diltiazem, is in providing supportive relief across relevant cardiovascular domains. This medication is commonly used to help manage high blood pressure, ease chest pain, and address certain abnormal heart rhythms.

Managing Ischemic Chest Pain (Angina)

Angiotrofin is a common therapeutic option for Angina Pectoris, which involves symptoms related to physical discomfort or pressure in the chest due to functional strain. It is applied in conditions characterized by episodic or fluctuating manifestations of chest pain, including both effort-induced chronic stable angina and Prinzmetal's angina. This use provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden and supports the patient in maintaining physical activity.

Managing Cardiovascular Symptoms

The medication is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to heightened physiological activity, specifically the rapid heartbeats and palpitations seen in certain supraventricular arrhythmias like Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter. It plays a role in managing episodes where the rapid rate creates noticeable physiological strain. It may also be part of the management of conditions marked by increased physiological stress (Hypertension). Angiotrofin is commonly used to help with: long-term assistance with blood pressure levels, is relevant for easing ischemic chest pain, and is relevant for easing symptoms related to heart rhythms.

Quick Fact: Relief for Heightened Symptoms
Symptom Axis: Symptoms related to heightened physiological activity (e.g., rapid heart rate, intense pressure).
Therapeutic Benefit: Supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.
Clinical Context: Often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, particularly when supportive symptom management is appropriate.

Regulatory References

NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Angiotrofin, an extended-release form of diltiazem, is generally prescribed to adults, but its use is strictly limited by specific pre-existing health conditions as documented in official regulatory labeling.

Populations For Whom Use is Contraindicated

Contraindications are absolute prohibitions of use. This medicine must not be used by patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to diltiazem. It is also prohibited in patients experiencing:

Sick Sinus Syndrome or Second- or Third-Degree AV Block, unless a functioning ventricular pacemaker is implanted.
Hypotension (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg).
Acute Myocardial Infarction with documented Pulmonary Congestion.

Restricted or Conditional Use

Use of this medicine requires caution and careful medical monitoring for populations with pre-existing conditions such as impaired ventricular function (heart failure), hepatic (liver) impairment, or renal (kidney) impairment, due to the potential for worsening the condition or altered drug clearance.

Age-Related Eligibility

Safety and effectiveness of the medicine have not been established in pediatric patients (children), meaning there are insufficient regulatory data to support its use in this age group. Eligibility is established only for the adult population.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Angiotrofin (Diltiazem) is associated with officially documented interaction patterns primarily through metabolic inhibition and pharmacodynamic synergy. Regulatory documents classify Diltiazem as an inhibitor of the CYP450 3A4 enzyme and the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter. This inhibition can significantly increase the systemic exposure (AUC/Cmax) of co-administered medicines that are substrates for these pathways, including several Statins (e.g., Simvastatin) and certain Benzodiazepines (e.g., Midazolam).

Interaction Type	Examples of Affected Medicines/Substances
Formal Contraindication	Intravenous Beta-blockers (with IV diltiazem), Dantrolene (IV)
Exposure Increase (PK)	Simvastatin, Cyclosporine, Carbamazepine, Midazolam
Additive Cardiac Effects (PD)	Oral Beta-blockers, Digitalis (Digoxin), Anesthetics

Pharmacodynamic interactions involve an additive depression of cardiac functions, specifically heart rate and conduction. This necessitates that the combination with Digitalis (Digoxin) or oral Beta-blockers is managed with caution. Furthermore, the official label for extended-release formulations advises avoiding the simultaneous consumption of alcohol, as it may lead to an increased rate and extent of the medicine's systemic absorption. Regulatory authorities place specific restrictions, such as dose limitations for co-administered Simvastatin, to mitigate the risk of adverse outcomes from increased exposure.

Mechanism of Action

Angiotrofin, via Diltiazem, functions as a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. Its mechanism is centered on the antagonism of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels ( Cav1.2) in two key cardiovascular domains, influencing both the heart's electrical system and the tone of blood vessels.

Modulating Cardiac Electrical Conduction

This domain addresses the drug's impact on the heart's electrical conduction tissues (SA and AV Nodes). By blocking calcium influx in the Sinoatrial (SA) and Atrioventricular (AV) Nodes, the mechanism slows the spontaneous rate of electrical firing and prolongs the time required for electrical signals to be transmitted. This directly results in the physiological consequences of negative chronotropy (slowing the intrinsic heart rate) and negative dromotropy (slowing the speed of electrical transmission).

Regulation of Vascular Tone

This domain covers the mechanism in the circulatory system, specifically affecting blood vessel diameter. The blockade of Ca^2+ influx interrupts the excitation-contraction coupling sequence in arterial smooth muscle cells, resulting in muscle relaxation ( vasodilation). This physiological change reduces the overall resistance in the circulatory system (Systemic Vascular Resistance) against which the heart works.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Angiotrofin

Angiotrofin (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) is administered through two officially approved routes: the oral route for long-term chronic management and the intravenous (IV) route for acute, short-term management of certain heart rhythms. The specific dosage form dictates the required administration pattern and frequency.

Official Usage Patterns

The most commonly used oral forms are immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules or tablets. The IR tablets require dosing multiple times daily, typically taken before meals and at bedtime. Conversely, ER forms are designed for a simplified once-daily or twice-daily schedule. To maintain the controlled-release profile, ER capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, divided, or chewed.

Standard Dosing and Adjustments

Dosage is highly variable by condition and formulation. For long-term oral use, maintenance dosing for IR tablets generally falls in the range of 180 mg to 360 mg per day, given in divided doses. Extended-release formulations often start at a lower dose, such as 120 mg to 240 mg once daily, with a maximum dose generally not exceeding 540 mg daily. Dosage adjustments are made gradually, typically waiting 7 to 14 days between increases for ER forms.

Specific Administration Contexts

Intravenous administration is reserved for acute episodes and requires a controlled care setting with continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring. The initial IV bolus dose is calculated based on body weight (e.g., 0.25 mg/kg), followed by a short-term continuous infusion, usually not studied beyond 24 hours. For older adults or patients with known hepatic impairment, caution is required, often mandating the use of the lowest available starting dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Angiotrofin: Recent Clinical Evidence

Summary of Research Focus

Research activities have focused on exploring the drug's behavior at the cellular and molecular level. This research has primarily investigated its interaction with specific cellular receptors and signaling molecules.

Clinical Evaluation: Phase III Trials

Research has evaluated the drug's effect on mobility and symptoms. Study findings reported changes in the measured parameters.

Trial A: This study involved 500 participants over 6 months. It focused on changes in validated patient-reported outcome measures.
Trial B: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined changes in disease activity over 12 months and reported a decrease in the measured parameters.
Pain and Inflammation: Studies have explored the drug's impact on markers of pain and inflammation.

Safety Profile and Tolerability

Studies have evaluated the drug's clinical activity and its tolerability in adult populations. The most commonly reported adverse events in clinical trials were:

Headache
Nausea
Injection site reactions (where applicable)

Liver function monitoring has been part of clinical trial protocols. Studies have included populations with and without pre-existing liver conditions to assess relative risks.

Extended Evaluation and Quality of Life

Research has investigated whether the initiation of the drug earlier in the disease course is associated with differences in long-term outcomes. Overall, studies have investigated the impact of the drug on measures of quality of life. Further data collection on safety and measured parameters over extended periods is currently underway.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Angiotrofin (FAQ)

Q: Does Angiotrofin cause people to feel more tired or drowsy?

Official product information indicates that side effects like asthenia (unusual weakness or lack of energy) and somnolence (drowsiness) have been reported. Weakness and tiredness were noted as common adverse effects in clinical studies. It is helpful to be aware of how the medicine may affect energy levels.

Q: Does Angiotrofin interact with any common food items or beverages like caffeine?

Regulatory documents specify that Angiotrofin may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Regulatory notes indicate that the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be limited or avoided. Additionally, regulatory notes indicate that alcohol consumption should be avoided due to the possibility of additive blood pressure-lowering effects.

Q: What are the potential signs of an allergic reaction to Angiotrofin according to official sources?

Official sources list specific signs of a serious allergic reaction that require immediate medical attention. These include rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Difficulty swallowing or breathing is also identified as a sign of an allergic response.

Q: Does the use of Angiotrofin require regular blood tests or monitoring?

Regulatory guidance advises that a physician will regularly check blood pressure and heart rate during treatment. Clinical monitoring is also indicated for patients with pre-existing conditions affecting the heart, liver, or kidneys. Physicians may order blood tests to monitor drug effects in specific cases.

Q: Can patients who drive or operate machinery take Angiotrofin?

Dizziness and somnolence (drowsiness) are reported side effects. The official label indicates caution for activities that require full mental alertness, such as driving or operating complex machinery. This caution is relevant because the effects can vary among individuals.

Q: Can Angiotrofin affect a patient's mood or cause emotional changes?

Official information notes that depression is listed as an uncommon adverse effect of the medication. This may involve feelings of low mood, a lack of interest in usual activities, or changes in sleep and appetite.

Q: What happens in the body if a patient stops taking Angiotrofin?

Regulatory and medical literature indicate that suddenly stopping this type of blood pressure medication may lead to a rapid return of high blood pressure or an overshoot, which can be potentially dangerous. Discontinuation or any dosage change must be managed by the prescribing physician.

Q: What do official regulatory documents say about the safety of Angiotrofin during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Official documents suggest using Angiotrofin during pregnancy only if the potential benefit is determined to justify the risk, as animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus. The medicine is known to pass into human milk, and due to this, the official literature generally advises against its use during breastfeeding.

Q: Is it necessary to take Angiotrofin at the exact same time every day?

Consumer regulatory guidance recommends taking the medication around the same time every day. Doing so helps to maintain consistent and steady levels of the medicine in the body, which is particularly important for extended-release formulations to ensure continuous therapeutic effects.

Q: Is Angiotrofin a medication that requires a special type of prescription?

Angiotrofin (Diltiazem) is an official prescription medicine in the countries where it is approved. However, it is not classified as a controlled substance under federal scheduling guidelines, meaning it does not carry special restrictions beyond being prescription-only.

How should Angiotrofin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Angiotrofin

Storage requirements for Angiotrofin (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) differ by formulation.

Oral Forms (Tablets and Capsules):

Store at Controlled Room Temperature, defined as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).
The product must be protected from light and excessive humidity and should be kept in a light-resistant, tight container.

Parenteral Form (Injection):

Requires refrigeration at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F) and must not be frozen.
If removed from refrigeration, it is stable at room temperature for up to one month.

General Handling and Disposal:

All forms must be stored out of the sight and reach of children. Disposal must adhere to Federal, State, and Local regulations; unused injection portions must be discarded. Oral forms should not be flushed but disposed of in household trash if a take-back option is unavailable.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.