Side effects occurred in 14 patients, 7 of whom had asymptomatic hypotension not requiring intervention. Thus, intravenous diltiazem was rapidly effective for slowing the ventricular response in most patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Blood pressure decreased slightly.
What is the role of diltiazem in treating atrial fibrillation?
Furthermore, diltiazem reduces conduction in atrioventricular node, which is also useful for heart rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Is diltiazem an agent for supraventricular tachycardia prophylaxis?
In this regard, some authors have proposed diltiazem as a potential agent for supraventricular tachycardia prophylaxis, after analyzing the effect of diltiazem 270 mg every 8 h in 36 patients. The results showed that oral diltiazem prevented induction and sustenance of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in most of the patients [19].
Is diltiazem a good first-line drug for hypertension?
Abstract. Although the choice of drugs for treating hypertension remains controversial, extensive clinical evidences point to calcium channel blockers as first-line agents. Diltiazem, a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, is an effective and safe antihypertensive drug, alone or in combination with other agents.
How much diltiazem should I take for tachycardia?
The authors’ recommendation for patients with atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia is 120 mg every 12 h (66.6% of the experts) as the proper dose for reducing the heart rate. However, in older patients and in those with mild arrhythmias, lower doses of diltiazem (60 or 90 mg every 8 or 12 h) could be useful.
How does diltiazem help atrial fibrillation?
Furthermore, diltiazem reduces conduction in atrioventricular node, which is also useful for heart rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation.
What is the therapeutic effect of diltiazem?
Diltiazem works by lowering your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. You can take diltiazem at any time of day. Try to make sure it's around the same time or times every day. Common side effects include swollen hands, ankles or feet, headaches and constipation.
What is the mechanism of action of diltiazem?
Mechanism of Action Primarily, diltiazem inhibits the inflow of calcium ions into the cardiac, smooth muscle during depolarization. Reduced intracellular calcium concentrations equate to increased smooth muscle relaxation resulting in arterial vasodilation and, therefore, decreased blood pressure.
How does diltiazem affect heart rate?
Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart so blood can flow more easily. Diltiazem also lowers your heart rate. These effects help the heart work less hard and lower blood pressure.
Is diltiazem an antiarrhythmic drug?
The calcium antagonist diltiazem has antiarrhythmic effects which are mediated in the brain through endogenous opioids. Neuropharmacology.
How long does it take for diltiazem to work for AFIB?
The oral immediate release diltiazem tablet has a fast onset of action of 30-60 minutes and is dosed every 6 hours.
What is the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem?
Diltiazem is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is subject to an extensive first-pass effect, giving an absolute bioavailability (compared to intravenous administration) of about 40%. Diltiazem undergoes extensive metabolism in which only 2% to 4% of the unchanged drug appears in the urine.
Is diltiazem a vasodilator?
Thus, the vasodilator properties of diltiazem can be utilized for effective long-term treatment of hypertension. The possibility of once-daily dosing may prove useful with respect to drug compliance in the long-term treatment of a generally asymptomatic disease such as hypertension.
How much does diltiazem lower heart rate?
Sustained-release diltiazem had no significant HR-decreasing effect on baseline HR < or =74 beats/min but appears to have a genuine regulating effect on HR: it reduces tachycardia without inducing excessive bradycardia.
Will diltiazem convert AFIB?
Abstract. Prior studies have suggested that intravenous diltiazem reduces the probability of spontaneous conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm in the electrophysiology laboratory and in patients with postoperative AF.
Does diltiazem control heart rhythm?
Diltiazem may also be used to control your heart rate if you have a fast/irregular heartbeat (such as atrial fibrillation). Long-acting forms of diltiazem may be used to treat high blood pressure.
What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?
Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are the drugs of choice because they provide rapid rate control. These drugs are effective in reducing the heart rate at rest and during exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation.
What do calcium channel blockers do?
Calcium channel blockers are medications used to lower blood pressure. They work by preventing calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium causes the heart and arteries to squeeze (contract) more strongly. By blocking calcium, calcium channel blockers allow blood vessels to relax and open.
Does diltiazem reduce blood pressure?
Experts believe that diltiazem works by inhibiting the movement of calcium ions across cardiac (heart) muscle and the smooth muscle lining blood vessel walls. This effect dilates (widens) blood vessels, reducing how hard the heart has to work to pump blood around the body, which reduces blood pressure.
Is diltiazem an ACE inhibitor?
Diltiazem is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Diltiazem relaxes (widens) your blood vessels (veins and arteries), which makes it easier for your heart to pump and reduces its workload. Enalapril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).
Is diltiazem a beta-blocker?
Both beta-blocking agents and calcium channel blockers are commonly used to treat AFF in the ED. Metoprolol is the most commonly used beta-blocker; and diltiazem is the most frequently used calcium channel antagonist....Last Update Posted:May 15, 2014Last Verified:May 20146 more rows
What is the purpose of calcium channel blockers?
Calcium channel blockers are used to slow the heart rate and reduce the strength of the cardiac cell contraction in patients with atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia [15].
Does diltiazem lower blood pressure?
The results showed that evening administration of diltiazem (240 mg titrated to 360 mg and to 540 mg) significantly reduced morning blood pressure and heart rate compared to ramipril. Diltiazem also led to a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure over the 24-h interval after bedtime dosage.
What is the leading cause of death in the world?
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. Coronary artery diseases, atrial fibrillation or hypertensive heart disease, are among the most important cardiovascular disorders.
Is Diltiazem a good antihypertensive?
Diltiazem, a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel block er, is an effective and safe antihypertensive drug, alone or in combination with other agents.