Treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias with intravenous calcium channel blockers: are subtle differences worth the cost?
Verapamil and diltiazem are effective in terminating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias and slowing ventricular response during atrial fibrillation or flutter. Results from clinical trials for each individual drug demonstrate comparative efficacy rates, and both drugs share the same contraindications and relative precautions. Well-designed comparative clinical trials are needed to establish if either drug has any clinical advantages in a particular patient population.
Department of Pharmacy Services, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
D M
DM
Cheiman
B F
BF
Shea
R A
RA
Kelly
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004110:Diltiazem / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D014700:Verapamil / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014700:Verapamil; D004110:Diltiazem