Efficacy of diltiazem in recurrent supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Diltiazem alters human atrioventricular nodal properties in a dose and rate-dependent manner. Intravenous diltiazem is effective in converting supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm. It may be a very useful drug for sustained control of heart rate in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation. The recommended intravenous dose is 0.25 mg/kg given over 2 mins followed by a maintenance infusion of 5 to 15 mg/h. Clinical data on the electrophysiological effects of oral diltiazem are limited. The oral form may be used as an alternative agent for the prophylaxis of recurrent supraventricular tachycardia.
Roy
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Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Quebec.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014700:Verapamil / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem