Question

question 102

a pharmacy technician receives a faxed prescription for diltiazem (cardizem). the technician should recognize that this medication is prescribed for patients who have which of the following conditions?

alzheimers disease
depression
hypertension
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Explanation:

Identify the drug and its classification

Diltiazem (Cardizem) is classified as a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB).

Determine the therapeutic indications

Calcium channel blockers work by relaxing the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Diltiazem is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), angina pectoris (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders (such as atrial fibrillation).

Evaluate the given options

• Alzheimer's disease: Treated with cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists, not CCBs.
• Depression: Treated with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs), not CCBs.
• Hypertension: Directly treated with diltiazem to lower blood pressure.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Treated with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, not CCBs.

Answer:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Depression
• Hypertension (Correct answer)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease