Diltiazem

Alternative Names: Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, Tiazac, Dilacor XR

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that can be used to slow the heart rate and help control paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). It works by slowing conduction through the AV node, which can stop the abnormal rhythm or reduce symptoms. It is usually given intravenously in the emergency setting if vagal maneuvers and adenosine are not successful. Diltiazem can also help lower blood pressure, so it should be used with caution in patients who are already hypotensive. While effective, it is not the first-line treatment but an important option when initial measures fail.

Treatment Type: Prescription Medication

Treatment Class: Calcium Channel Blocker

Treatment Modality: Intravenous (IV), Oral

Review Summary

4.0

1 Reviews

Preferred by 1 Reviewers

Based on the provided review, Diltiazem appears to be a useful second-line treatment for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT), particularly when adenosine is ineffective. It works by slowing AV node conduction and can help restore normal heart rhythm, though caution is advised for patients with low blood pressure.

This summary was generated by users' reviews

Breakdown by Category

Each categories are rated on a 1–5 scale, with 5 being the most favorable outcome and 1 being the least. These scores are averaged across all user reviews to provide a clear sense of how this treatment typically performs in each area.

Cost
0
1 = Very Expensive 5 = Very Affordable

0

Very Expensive
Relief Speed
5.0
1 = No Relief 5 = Immediate Relief

5.0

Immediate Relief
Side Effects
4.0
1 = Intolerable Effect 5 = No Effect

4.0

Mild Effect
Treatment Line
3.0
1 = Third-line or more 5 = First-line

3.0

Second Line

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4.0

1 Reviews
5
0%
4
100%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

AI Summary of User Experiences

Not medical advice.

Based on the provided review, Diltiazem appears to be a useful second-line treatment for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT), particularly when adenosine is ineffective. It works by slowing AV node conduction and can help restore normal heart rhythm, though caution is advised for patients with low blood pressure.

Reviews

Filter by reviewer type Pro

Cost
Very Expensive
$1000+
Expensive
$501 to $1000
Moderate Cost
$101 to $500
Affordable
$25 to $100
Very Affordable
$25
Relief Speed
No Relief
No noticeable improvement
Slow Relief
Several days to weeks
Moderate Relief
Within 1 - 3 days
Fast Relief
Within hours
Immediate Relief
Within minutes
Side Effect
Intolerable Side Effect
Caused treatment to stop or required hospitalization
Severe Side Effect
Difficult to tolerate, may require intervention
Moderate Side Effect
Noticeable, but manageable
Mild Side Effect
Minor, not bothersome
No Side Effect
Without any adverse effects
Treatment Line
Third-line or more
Used after second-line failed or multiple prior treatment
Second-line
Used after first-line treatment failed or was unsuitable
First-line
First treatment tried
Dr. Curbside

Dr. Curbside

Verified
Physician • Emergency Medicine • How doctors think about decisions — and what real-world experiences add
4 months ago
Diltiazem IV is one of the treatment options for PSVT if adenosine does not work. It slows conduction through the AV node and can help restore normal rhythm, though it must be used carefully in patients with low blood pressure. I generally choose this if the patient is already on a calcium channel blocker.
#ImmediateRelief #MildEffect #Second-line #Rescue/EmergencyUse