What is diltiazem Cardizem used for?

Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). Diltiazem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

Can Cardizem be given as a bolus?

An initial Cardizem I.V. Bolus dose may be ordered by the physician. The initial dose should be 0.25 mg/kg actual body weight as a bolus administered over 2 minutes. If response is inadequate, a second bolus dose may be administered after 15 minutes.

Can you take a beta blocker with Cardizem?

In patients with hypertension or coronary heart disease, combination therapy with diltiazem and a beta-blocker usually enhances therapeutic benefit relative to monotherapy, but adverse effects attributable to this combination, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction or latent cardiac conduction …

Is verapamil and Cardizem the same?

Are Cardizem and Verelan the Same Thing? Cardizem (diltiazem hydrochloride) and Verelan (verapamil hydrochloride) are calcium channel blockers used for different purposes. Cardizem is used to prevent chest pain (angina).

What are the side effects of Cardizem?

Side Effects Dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, flushing, constipation, and headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Can Cardizem be given IV push?

IV Push: Diluent: Administer bolus dose undiluted. Concentration: 5 mg/mL. Rate: Administer over 2 min. Continuous Infusion: Diluent: Dilute 125 mg in 100 mL, 250 mg in 250 mL, or 250 mg in 500 mL of 0.9% NaCl, D5W, or D5/0.45% NaCl.

Is Cardizem considered an antiarrhythmic?

Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a Class IV antiarrhythmic and one of the most common pharmacological agents used for treatment of AF with RVR. These CCBs can be easily identified by the last four letters of the generic name ending with “pine”.

Which is better metoprolol or Cardizem?

At the highest dose levels, contentment and vitality tended to be better in the diltiazem than the metoprolol group. Thus, diltiazem and metoprolol in daily doses of 120-360 mg and 50-200 mg, respectively, produce comparable and parallel reductions in supine and standing BP.

Why is diltiazem preferred over verapamil?

Verapamil has a more profound effect on gut smooth muscle than the other calcium channel antagonists. It reduces gut motility and causes constipation. Like verapamil, diltiazem is an arteriolar dilator which reduces peripheral resistance and thus blood pressure, but it is less cardio depressant.

What drugs should not be taken with diltiazem?

Other medications can affect the removal of diltiazem from your body, which may affect how this medication works. Examples include cimetidine, St. John’s wort, azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifamycins including rifabutin and rifampin.