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Questions and Answers
What is the primary indication for using Cardizem (Diltiazem)?
What is the correct dosage for Cardizem in adult patients with rapid ventricular response in A-Fib?
Which of the following patients should avoid using Cardizem due to contraindications?
What is the main action mechanism of Cardizem (Diltiazem)?
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Which of the following is a serious adverse reaction to Cardizem?
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What is a significant drug interaction to be cautious about when administering Cardizem?
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Study Notes
Indications for Cardizem (Diltiazem)
- Primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension and angina.
- Also used for managing rapid ventricular response in patients with atrial fibrillation (A-Fib).
Dosage for A-Fib
- In adult patients experiencing rapid ventricular response in A-Fib, the typical initial dosage of Cardizem is 15 to 20 mg given intravenously over a period of 2 minutes.
- Follow-up doses may be administered after 30 minutes if needed, typically ranging from 25 to 50 mg.
Contraindications for Cardizem
- Patients with severe bradycardia or heart block should avoid using Cardizem.
- Use is contraindicated in individuals with hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg).
- Caution in patients with congestive heart failure and those with a history of hypersensitivity to diltiazem or any components in the formulation.
Mechanism of Action
- Cardizem works as a calcium channel blocker, inhibiting calcium influx into cardiac and smooth muscle.
- Results in decreased heart contractility, lowered heart rate, and dilation of coronary arteries, which improves oxygen delivery to the heart.
Serious Adverse Reactions
- Potential serious adverse reactions include heart block, which can lead to hemodynamic instability.
- Other critical reactions may include severe hypotension and acute liver injury.
Significant Drug Interactions
- Caution is advised when administering Cardizem with beta-blockers, as they may enhance cardiac depressant effects and increase the risk of bradycardia and heart block.
- Other drug interactions may involve medications that are metabolized by CYP3A4, leading to increased plasma concentrations of concurrently administered drugs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the dosage and indications of Cardizem, also known as Diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker and Class IV antiarrhythmic medication. Learn about the recommended dosages for rapid ventricular response in atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, as well as its use as a second-line agent for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
