The Active Ingredient: Diltiazem Hydrochloride
At the core of Tiadylt's therapeutic action is its single active ingredient, diltiazem hydrochloride. This compound belongs to a class of medications known as non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. Its primary function involves inhibiting calcium influx during depolarization of cardiac and vascular smooth muscle, helping to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. For patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina), this helps the heart work less strenuously.
The Role of Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients are essential components of any medication, serving several important functions beyond the therapeutic effect of the active compound. In Tiadylt, these ingredients facilitate the drug's extended-release profile, ensure its stability, and provide the physical characteristics of the capsule. The formulation is designed to release diltiazem slowly over a 24-hour period, which requires a specific combination of excipients to achieve.
The Capsule Pellets and Excipients
Tiadylt is an extended-release capsule containing white to off-white pellets. The inactive ingredients in these pellets, which help control drug release, include colloidal silicon dioxide, ethyl cellulose, gelatin, hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), polyethylene glycol, sugar spheres, talc, and titanium dioxide. These components act as glidants, sustained-release agents, binders, plasticizers, and core materials.
The Capsule Shell and Printing Ink
The capsule shell and ink also contain various components. The coloring of the capsule shell can vary depending on the dosage strength, using dyes such as FD&C blue #1 and various FD&C red dyes. The pharmaceutical ink contains several components, including black iron oxide and shellac.
Comparison Table: Tiadylt ER vs. Common Diltiazem Variants
Tiadylt is one of several branded and generic forms of diltiazem extended-release capsules. Key differences often exist in their inactive ingredients, which can affect their administration and release characteristics {Link: Dailymed https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=1278cd76-b8e9-42d9-ad19-6858e72cf9f2}.
| Feature | Tiadylt ER | Cardizem CD / Tiazac | General Immediate-Release Diltiazem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formulation | Extended-Release Capsules | Extended-Release Capsules | Immediate-Release Tablets |
| Release Profile | Once daily, controlled release | Once daily, controlled release | Multiple times per day, rapid release |
| Sprinkle on Food | Contents can be sprinkled on applesauce. | Can be opened and sprinkled on food. | Cannot be altered; swallowed whole. |
| Crushing or Chewing | Do not crush or chew; destroys the extended-release mechanism. | Do not crush or chew; destroys the extended-release mechanism. | Do not crush or chew unless specifically advised; can alter release. |
| Example Excipients | Ethyl cellulose, sugar sphere, talc. | Varies by manufacturer; often uses similar polymers for extended-release. | Typically uses standard binders and fillers like lactose and magnesium stearate. |
Proper Administration for Controlled Release
Proper administration of Tiadylt is critical for safety and effectiveness. The coated pellets are designed for a slow, steady release over 24 hours. Crushing or chewing the capsule defeats this mechanism, leading to a rapid release of the entire dose, which can cause dangerously low blood pressure or heart rhythm problems. For those with swallowing difficulties, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of cool applesauce and swallowed immediately without chewing.
Conclusion
Understanding the ingredients in Tiadylt highlights how both the active diltiazem hydrochloride and the various inactive ingredients work together to provide a once-daily, extended-release treatment for hypertension and angina. The inactive components are crucial for the controlled release mechanism and the drug's stability. Proper administration, such as avoiding crushing or chewing, is essential for the medication to work correctly and safely. Always consult a healthcare professional for questions about medication components or use.
