About diltiazem hydrochloride
Calcium channel blocker
Used for
- Rapid control of certain fast heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and flutter
- Treatment of stable wide-complex tachycardia in selected cases
Usual adult dose
For atrial fibrillation or flutter: 0.25 mg/kg IV over 2 minutes; if needed, 0.35 mg/kg after 15 minutes. Further infusion dosing requires monitoring.
Common side effects
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate or heart block
- Dizziness or flushing
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Give by intravenous injection with continuous heart and blood-pressure monitoring.
- Avoid in severe low blood pressure, certain heart blocks, or sick sinus syndrome without a pacemaker.
- Can worsen heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
- Not for wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain cause; it may cause serious harm.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; pregnancy safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter milk; clinical effects in nursing infants are not well established.
Interactions
- Beta blockers, digoxin, and other medicines that slow heart rate can cause excessive slowing or heart block.
- Diltiazem can increase levels of some medicines, including simvastatin and cyclosporine.
- Amiodarone and other rhythm medicines may increase heart effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.