Diltiazem
Also known as: Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Dilacor XR, Cartia XT, Tiazac, Diltia XT, Taztia XT, Dilt-CD, Hypercard, Adizem, Angitil, Dilcardia, Dilzem, Slozem, Tildiem, Viazem, Zemret
Diltiazem is a medication used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure in pets. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed. **Do not crush or chew** sustained-release capsules unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian (some specific brands like Dilacor XR are sometimes opened to use the tablets inside, but only under strict veterinary guidance). * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of lethargy, weakness, fainting, or vomiting (especially common in cats). Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet collapses or seems unusually tired. * **Consistency:** Heart medications require strict adherence to the dosing schedule. Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly without consulting your vet.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Option A)
- Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Option B)
- Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Option C)
- Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Option D)
- Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Option E)
- Emergency treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
- Acute management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
- Chronic management of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
- Emergency management of hypertension (when nitroprusside unavailable)
- Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias / Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias / Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dogs: Bradycardia (most prominent)
- Cats: Vomiting (especially with 60 mg sustained-release pellets)
- Lethargy
- Anorexia / GI distress
- Hypotension
- Heart block or rhythm disturbances
- CNS effects
- Skin rashes
- Elevations in liver enzymes
- Bradycardia (most common in dogs)
- Vomiting (most common in cats)
- AV block
Cautions & contraindications
- Severe hypotension (<90 mm Hg systolic)
- Sick sinus syndrome (unless functioning pacemaker is in place)
- 2nd or 3rd degree AV block (unless functioning pacemaker is in place)
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Radiographically documented pulmonary congestion
- Hypersensitivity to diltiazem
- Second or third degree AV block
- Marked hypotension
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Acute or decompensated congestive heart failure (relative contraindication)
- > **Warning:** Use with extreme caution in geriatric patients, those with heart failure (especially if receiving beta-blockers), or patients with hepatic or renal impairment. * **IV Administration:** If giving direct IV push, administer slowly over at least two minutes to prevent acute hypotension or collapse. * **Pregnancy:** Potential teratogen at high doses (FDA Category C). Use only when benefits outweigh risks. * **Nursing:** Excreted in milk at concentrations approximating serum levels; use with caution.
Drug interactions
- Anesthetics, General: May increase cardiac depressant effects of diltiazem.
- Benzodiazepines: Diltiazem may increase benzodiazepine levels.
- Beta-Blockers: May increase the likelihood of bradycardia, AV block, or CHF. Diltiazem may substantially increase the bioavailability of propranolol.
- Buspirone: Diltiazem may increase buspirone levels.
- Cisapride: Could potentially increase risk for increased QT intervals.
- Digoxin: Data conflicts regarding pharmacokinetic effects; diligent monitoring of digoxin serum concentrations is required.
- Cimetidine: May increase plasma diltiazem concentrations; increased monitoring warranted.
- Ranitidine: May affect diltiazem concentrations, but to a lesser extent than cimetidine.
- Cyclosporine: Diltiazem may increase cyclosporine serum concentrations; monitoring and dosage adjustments may be required.
- Rifampin: May decrease diltiazem levels.
- Quinidine: Diltiazem may increase quinidine serum concentrations; monitoring and dosage adjustments may be required.
Frequently asked questions
What is Diltiazem used for in pets?
Diltiazem is a medication used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and high blood pressure in pets. * **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed. **Do not crush or chew** sustained-release capsules unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian (some specific brands like Dilacor XR are sometimes opened to use the tablets inside, but only under strict veterinary guidance). * **Side Effects:** Watch for signs of lethargy, weakness, fainting, or vomiting (especially common in cats). Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet collapses or seems unusually tired. * **Consistency:** Heart medications require strict adherence to the dosing schedule. Do not skip doses or stop the medication abruptly without consulting your vet.
Is Diltiazem safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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