The peripheral vascular effects of diltiazem--dose-response characteristics.

The acute effects of increasing doses of diltiazem on peripheral blood flow were observed in six subjects. Each subject received, in random order, a single oral dose of placebo or diltiazem 60, 120 or 180 mg. Supine heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, digital systolic pressure, forearm and digital blood flow were recorded before and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 h post-dosing. Plasma diltiazem concentrations were measured at each time interval and at 12 and 24 h after the 120 mg dose. At doses of 120 and 180 mg, diltiazem significantly increased digital blood flow at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 h post-dosing and forearm blood flow at 2 and 3 h following 180 mg and 3 h following 120 mg. No correlation was observed between plasma diltiazem concentration and changes in peripheral blood flow.