Diltiazem

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

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation. It works by slowing conduction through the AV node, which helps reduce the rapid ventricular response associated with AFib. It can be given intravenously for acute rate control in the hospital or orally for long-term management. While effective, it must be used cautiously in patients with low blood pressure or heart failure.

Treatment Type: Prescription Medication

Treatment Class: Calcium Channel Blocker

Treatment Modality: Intravenous (IV), Oral

Diltiazem

Review Summary

5.0

1 Reviews

Preferred by 1 Reviewers

Based on the provided review, Diltiazem appears to be an effective treatment for rate control in atrial fibrillation. The reviewer, a doctor, rates it highly and suggests it can be particularly useful for patients already on calcium channel blockers, noting better responses compared to alternative medication options.

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
5.0
1 = Very Expensive 5 = Very Affordable

5.0

Very Affordable
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
5.0
1 = Third-line or more 5 = First-line

5.0

First-line

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5.0

1 Reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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AI Summary of User Experiences

Not medical advice.

Based on the provided review, Diltiazem appears to be an effective treatment for rate control in atrial fibrillation. The reviewer, a doctor, rates it highly and suggests it can be particularly useful for patients already on calcium channel blockers, noting better responses compared to alternative medication options.

Reviews

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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
2 months ago
Diltiazem is a medication commonly used to control heart rate in atrial fibrillation. In practice, I tend to reach for it because it usually brings the heart rate down fairly quickly and reliably. It slows conduction through the AV node and helps keep the ventricular rate under control. Anecdotally, in the ER I’ve often found it works a bit more consistently for rate control than some other options.
#ReviewersPreferred #VeryAffordable #ImmediateRelief #MildEffect #First-line #Maintenance #Rescue/EmergencyUse #Preventative
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