Matzim LA and Ticlopidine Hydrochloride

• Generic Name: diltiazem
• Dosage Forms: tablet, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Cardizem, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Dilt-CD, Diltia XT, Diltzac, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Tiazac, Cardizem CD, Dilt-XR, Tiazac, Cardizem LA, Tiazac Extended Release Capsules

Diltiazem is used alone or together with other medicines to treat angina (severe chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: ticlopidine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Ticlid

Used to reduce the risk of fatal or nonfatal thrombotic stroke in patients who have had either a previous completed thrombotic stroke or stroke precursors (e.g., TIA, transient monocular or partial blindness [amaurosis fugax], reversible ischemic neurologic deficit, minor stroke).

Because of potentially life-threatening adverse effects (see Boxed Warning), reserve for patients who are unable to tolerate or have hypersensitivity to aspirin or those who have failed to respond to aspirin therapy where indicated to prevent stroke.

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) states that use of ticlopidine for secondary prevention of stroke has become severely limited because of the risk of serious adverse effects and the availability of safer antiplatelet agents.

Used as an adjunct to aspirin therapy to reduce the incidence of subacute stent thrombosis after PCI with successful coronary artery stent placement.

Ticlopidine for this use largely has been replaced by other antiplatelet agents. ACCP and other experts currently recommend dual-drug antiplatelet therapy with other P2Y12-receptor antagonists (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor) and aspirin in patients undergoing PCI with stent placement.