Which manufacturer produces the 240 mg extended‑release diltiazem capsule formulated with coated beads?

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Last updated: October 15, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Manufacturer Selection for Diltiazem ER 240mg with Coated Beads

For diltiazem extended-release 240mg formulated with coated beads, choose Tiazac (manufactured by Biovail/Forest Laboratories, now part of Allergan/AbbVie). This is the specific brand name product that utilizes a coated bead technology designed for once-daily administration.

Understanding Diltiazem ER Formulations

The key distinction you're asking about relates to the manufacturing technology used to create extended-release diltiazem. Not all diltiazem ER products are equivalent:

Coated Bead Technology Products

Tiazac is the primary brand that uses a multiparticulate coated bead system 1. This formulation:

  • Contains diltiazem-loaded pellets coated with ethylcellulose/dibutyl sebacate 2
  • Provides sustained release through polymer-coated beads
  • Delivers significantly higher plasma concentrations during daytime hours (5-12 hours post-dose) compared to other ER formulations 1

Alternative ER Technologies (Different Mechanisms)

Other diltiazem ER products use different release mechanisms:

  • Cardizem CD: Uses a different extended-release technology
  • Dilacor XR: Uses yet another ER system

These are not bioequivalent to Tiazac despite similar dosing schedules 1.

Clinical Significance of the Coated Bead Formulation

The coated bead technology in Tiazac provides:

  1. Superior daytime coverage: Higher plasma levels during waking hours when blood pressure typically peaks 1
  2. Chronopharmacological advantage: Better alignment with circadian blood pressure variations
  3. Consistent absorption: The multiparticulate system provides more predictable pharmacokinetics 2

Prescribing Considerations

When writing the prescription:

  • Specify "Tiazac" if you want the coated bead formulation
  • Do NOT write "DAW" (Dispense as Written) unless clinically necessary, as this may create insurance barriers
  • Be aware that generic substitution may provide a different ER technology that is not therapeutically equivalent in terms of release profile 1

Dosing from Guidelines

For rate control in atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia, diltiazem dosing ranges up to 360mg daily in divided or single doses with long-acting formulations 3. The 240mg dose falls within standard therapeutic ranges for cardiovascular indications 4, 3.

Important caveat: If your pharmacy dispenses a generic "diltiazem ER 240mg," verify with the pharmacist whether it uses coated bead technology or a different extended-release mechanism, as the pharmacokinetic profiles differ significantly 1.

References

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