Paramedic National Registry Practice

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the Paramedic National Registry Exam with comprehensive quizzes and study resources. Enhance your knowledge through interactive questions, detailed explanations, and insights to ensure success on your upcoming exam!

Practice this question and more.

What type of medication is Diltiazem?

Beta-Blocker
Calcium Channel Blocker
Alpha-Agonist
Vasodilator

The correct answer is: Calcium Channel Blocker

Diltiazem is classified as a calcium channel blocker. This type of medication works by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into cardiac and smooth muscle cells during depolarization. By blocking calcium channels, diltiazem reduces cardiac contractility and dilates coronary and peripheral blood vessels, ultimately leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. It is commonly used in the management of hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain types of arrhythmias. Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem are effective because they specifically target the pathways involved in muscle contraction and vascular tone, making them essential in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions. This mechanism differentiates it from the other medication categories, each of which has distinct actions and uses in clinical practice.