Cardiac Drug and Supplement Information
Written By:
Nick A. Schroeder, DVM, DACVIM
Cardiology
Cardiac drugs are used in patients at high risk for or suffering from congestive heart failure. Different types of drugs may be used in any given patient for a variety of reasons. The main classes of drugs include diuretics, antihypertensives, positive inotropics/inodilators, antithrombotics and antiarrhythmics. Supplements are occasionally advocated for use in patients with heart disease as well. The following information covers only the most commonly used drugs in each class, and by no means is a comprehensive review. It is very important that all cardiac drugs intended for use in dogs in cats are placed out of the reach of children and are not to be taken by human beings. If accidental ingestion occurs, please seek immediate medical attention and/or contact a poison control center. Discontinuation or changes in the doses of these medications in pets suffering from heart failure should be supervised by a veterinarian.
DIURETICS:
There are three classes of diuretics commonly used in small animals for the treatment of congestive heart failure. These include loop diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics and thiazide diuretics. Each type acts on the kidney in a specific way to increase urine production. This decreases the total blood volume the failing heart has to deal with, reducing the blood pressure and allowing for the reabsorption of fluid accumulation. Some diuretics have hormonal effects. Combination drugs are also available. Overzealous use may lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss. Patients taking diuretics should have bloodwork performed periodically to monitor for potential problems. Patients taking multiple diuretics should be monitored closely at home for any problems, and suspension of therapy may be advised if patients quit eating or start vomiting.
Furosemide (LASIX®, SALIX®):
To prevent excessive retention of fluid, diuretic drugs such as furosemide are often used in the face of heart failure. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DRUG PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM HEART FAILURE WILL TAKE. A loop diuretic, this drug prevents the absorption of chloride, sodium, potassium and water, leading to an increased volume of urine. This assists the kidneys in removing excessive fluid. It is a potent diuretic drug used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema. Adverse effects include electrolyte disturbances, low blood potassium and dehydration. Kidney function should be monitored when using this medication.
To prevent excessive retention of fluid, diuretic drugs such as furosemide are often used in the face of heart failure. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DRUG PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM HEART FAILURE WILL TAKE. A loop diuretic, this drug prevents the absorption of chloride, sodium, potassium and water, leading to an increased volume of urine. This assists the kidneys in removing excessive fluid. It is a potent diuretic drug used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema. Adverse effects include electrolyte disturbances, low blood potassium and dehydration. Kidney function should be monitored when using this medication.
Torsemide (DEMADEX®):
To prevent excessive retention of fluid, diuretic drugs such as torsemide are often used in the face of heart failure. A loop diuretic, this drug prevents the absorption of chloride, sodium, potassium and water, leading to an increased volume of urine. This assists the kidneys in removing excessive fluid. It is a VERY potent diuretic drug used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema. Adverse effects include electrolyte disturbances, low blood potassium and dehydration. Kidney function should be monitored when using this medication. Discontinue this medication if your pet stops eating or starts vomiting, and notify your veterinarian immediately.
To prevent excessive retention of fluid, diuretic drugs such as torsemide are often used in the face of heart failure. A loop diuretic, this drug prevents the absorption of chloride, sodium, potassium and water, leading to an increased volume of urine. This assists the kidneys in removing excessive fluid. It is a VERY potent diuretic drug used to reduce fluid accumulation and prevent further edema. Adverse effects include electrolyte disturbances, low blood potassium and dehydration. Kidney function should be monitored when using this medication. Discontinue this medication if your pet stops eating or starts vomiting, and notify your veterinarian immediately.
Spironolactone (ALDACTONE®):
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic drug that inhibits the activity of the hormone aldosterone. This hormone is released in great quantity in heart failure. Overall, the diuretic effect is mild. Spironolactone also blocks the adverse effects of aldosterone on the heart muscle. High concentrations of aldosterone are toxic to the heart. Adverse effects associated with spironolactone are few and typically mild. They generally subside once the drug is discontinued. Some adverse effects associated with spironolactone include dehydration, low blood pressure, high blood potassium, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic drug that inhibits the activity of the hormone aldosterone. This hormone is released in great quantity in heart failure. Overall, the diuretic effect is mild. Spironolactone also blocks the adverse effects of aldosterone on the heart muscle. High concentrations of aldosterone are toxic to the heart. Adverse effects associated with spironolactone are few and typically mild. They generally subside once the drug is discontinued. Some adverse effects associated with spironolactone include dehydration, low blood pressure, high blood potassium, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Hydrochlorothiazide (THIURETIC®, ESIDRIX®, HYDRODIURIL®):
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic drug occasionally used to treat congestive heart failure. It is typically used in combination with other diuretics if fluid retention on furosemide (LASIX®) alone is uncontrolled. Thiazide diuretics can cause low blood potassium and sodium levels, leading to weakness, lethargy and inappetance. Careful monitoring of electrolytes is necessary, and is done with periodic blood testing.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic drug occasionally used to treat congestive heart failure. It is typically used in combination with other diuretics if fluid retention on furosemide (LASIX®) alone is uncontrolled. Thiazide diuretics can cause low blood potassium and sodium levels, leading to weakness, lethargy and inappetance. Careful monitoring of electrolytes is necessary, and is done with periodic blood testing.
Spironolactone/hydrochlorothiazide (ALDACTAZIDE®):
Aldactazide is a combination diuretic drug that inhibits the activity of the hormone aldosterone. This hormone is released in great quantities in heart failure. Aldactazide also blocks the adverse effects of aldosterone on the heart muscle. The thiazide component of this drug enhances the diuretic effects. Adverse effects are uncommon. They generally subside once the drug is discontinued. Some adverse effects associated with Aldactazide include dehydration, low blood pressure, blood salt (electrolyte) disturbances, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
Aldactazide is a combination diuretic drug that inhibits the activity of the hormone aldosterone. This hormone is released in great quantities in heart failure. Aldactazide also blocks the adverse effects of aldosterone on the heart muscle. The thiazide component of this drug enhances the diuretic effects. Adverse effects are uncommon. They generally subside once the drug is discontinued. Some adverse effects associated with Aldactazide include dehydration, low blood pressure, blood salt (electrolyte) disturbances, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVES:
Antihypertensive drugs lower the blood pressure. They are commonly used as adjunctive therapy in patient suffering from congestive heart failure. They may be used in patients that have overt high blood pressure (systemic hypertension). Some are used specifically for patients with elevated blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). There are a few different types of antihypertensive drugs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors) are commonly used in patients with congestive heart failure. Calcium channel blockers may also be used in patients with systemic hypertension. Occasionally, direct-acting vasodilators are used in cases of severe heart failure or systemic hypertension. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be used in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Periodic monitoring of the blood pressure is advised, especially if high doses are used to control severe hypertension. Generally, if a patient taking an antihypertensive drug suddenly becomes very weak, lethargic, or collapses, then it is advisable to discontinue the drug and notify the veterinarian immediately.
Enalapril (ENACARD®, VASOTEC®):
Benazepril (LOTENSIN®):
Enalapril and benazepril belong to a general class of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors). These drugs decrease the formation of compounds and hormones that constrict blood vessels in animals with heart and vascular disease. The ACE-inhibitors are classified as vasodilators because of their relaxing effect on blood vessels. These drugs also reduce the concentrations of harmful chemicals and hormones that injure heart muscle in animals with heart failure. Enalapril and benazepril may relax blood vessels to such a degree that some animals become weak from low blood pressure. Kidney function should be monitored when using this medication. If this is a new medication for your pet a blood profile must be checked in 1-2 weeks before the dose is increased to twice a day in dogs (cats typically receive the medication no more than once daily). Do not combine with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, Deramaxx®, Metacam®, Rimadyl®, or Etogesic®. A dry cough has been associated with use of ACE-inhibitors in humans. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN DOGS AND CATS. If your pet starts coughing more, an adjustment in diuretic dose is often needed.
Benazepril (LOTENSIN®):
Enalapril and benazepril belong to a general class of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors). These drugs decrease the formation of compounds and hormones that constrict blood vessels in animals with heart and vascular disease. The ACE-inhibitors are classified as vasodilators because of their relaxing effect on blood vessels. These drugs also reduce the concentrations of harmful chemicals and hormones that injure heart muscle in animals with heart failure. Enalapril and benazepril may relax blood vessels to such a degree that some animals become weak from low blood pressure. Kidney function should be monitored when using this medication. If this is a new medication for your pet a blood profile must be checked in 1-2 weeks before the dose is increased to twice a day in dogs (cats typically receive the medication no more than once daily). Do not combine with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, Deramaxx®, Metacam®, Rimadyl®, or Etogesic®. A dry cough has been associated with use of ACE-inhibitors in humans. THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN DOGS AND CATS. If your pet starts coughing more, an adjustment in diuretic dose is often needed.
Amlodipine (NORVASC®):
Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker, and is a medication used for control of high blood pressure. The dose must be adjusted for each individual and requires reevaluation of blood pressure at 12-24 hours post-pill every 1-2 weeks until the correct dose of drug is established. Monitoring of blood pressure is advised every 3 months thereafter. Rarely, side effects may include gastrointestinal upset or hypotension (weakness and inappetance may be symptoms).
Amlodipine is a calcium-channel blocker, and is a medication used for control of high blood pressure. The dose must be adjusted for each individual and requires reevaluation of blood pressure at 12-24 hours post-pill every 1-2 weeks until the correct dose of drug is established. Monitoring of blood pressure is advised every 3 months thereafter. Rarely, side effects may include gastrointestinal upset or hypotension (weakness and inappetance may be symptoms).
Hydralazine (APRESOLINE®):
Hydralazine is a direct arterial vasodilator used to lower elevated blood pressure, and is occasionally used in the treatment of congestive heart failure or in patients with severe hypertension (high blood pressure). Careful monitoring of the blood pressure is required in patients taking hydralazine. Side effects include a fast heart rate (tachycardia), gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), weakness, lethargy and collapse. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to discontinue this medication and notify your veterinarian immediately.
Hydralazine is a direct arterial vasodilator used to lower elevated blood pressure, and is occasionally used in the treatment of congestive heart failure or in patients with severe hypertension (high blood pressure). Careful monitoring of the blood pressure is required in patients taking hydralazine. Side effects include a fast heart rate (tachycardia), gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), weakness, lethargy and collapse. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to discontinue this medication and notify your veterinarian immediately.
Sildenafil (VIAGRA®, REVATIO®):
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that relaxes the smooth muscles of arteries. It is used in dogs for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, a disease in which the arteries supplying blood to the lungs become constricted either for unknown reasons or secondary to chronic lung disease, heartworm disease, etc. Side effects are typically secondary to an excessively low blood pressure, and may include lethargy, weakness or collapse. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to discontinue the drug and notify your veterinarian immediately.
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that relaxes the smooth muscles of arteries. It is used in dogs for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, a disease in which the arteries supplying blood to the lungs become constricted either for unknown reasons or secondary to chronic lung disease, heartworm disease, etc. Side effects are typically secondary to an excessively low blood pressure, and may include lethargy, weakness or collapse. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, it is best to discontinue the drug and notify your veterinarian immediately.
INOTROPICS/INODILATORS:
Inotropic drugs are those that increase the contractile force of the heart muscle. Inodilators are drugs that not only increase the contractile force of the heart, but also relax the peripheral arteries. Some of these drugs are useful only in a hospital setting, and these include dobutamine and dopamine. Some are used in an oral formulation to help treat patients suffering from congestive heart failure. Digoxin and pimobendan are the two most commonly used drugs. Digoxin is a positive inotropic drug and pimobendan is classified as an inodilator.
Digoxin (LANOXIN®):
Digoxin increases contraction strength of the heart, which increases the amount of blood pumped out of the heart. Digoxin will also reduce nerve stimulation to the heart that would normally result in an increased heart rate. With less stimulation, the heart rate slows. Digoxin does not prolong life but does reduce symptoms of heart failure. Effective use of the drug must be monitored by a test that measures concentration blood. When first starting this medication, a blood level must be measured in 1-2 weeks at 8-10 hours post-medication. Thereafter, levels should be monitored every 3-6 months. The toxic and therapeutic concentrations are very similar. High doses of digoxin can lead to adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmias, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, stop the drug and contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not combine with Hawthorne berry extract.
Digoxin increases contraction strength of the heart, which increases the amount of blood pumped out of the heart. Digoxin will also reduce nerve stimulation to the heart that would normally result in an increased heart rate. With less stimulation, the heart rate slows. Digoxin does not prolong life but does reduce symptoms of heart failure. Effective use of the drug must be monitored by a test that measures concentration blood. When first starting this medication, a blood level must be measured in 1-2 weeks at 8-10 hours post-medication. Thereafter, levels should be monitored every 3-6 months. The toxic and therapeutic concentrations are very similar. High doses of digoxin can lead to adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmias, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, stop the drug and contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not combine with Hawthorne berry extract.
Pimobendan (VETMEDIN®):
Pimobendan is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs suffering from chronic mitral valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. This medication is a calcium channel sensitizer. Termed an inodilator, pimobendan combines the effects of increasing heart muscle pump strength and acts as a vasodilator to decrease the workload the heart is pumping against. This drug is intended to be used in complement to the traditional heart failure treatment.
Pimobendan is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor approved for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs suffering from chronic mitral valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. This medication is a calcium channel sensitizer. Termed an inodilator, pimobendan combines the effects of increasing heart muscle pump strength and acts as a vasodilator to decrease the workload the heart is pumping against. This drug is intended to be used in complement to the traditional heart failure treatment.
ANTITHROMBOTICS:
Antithrombotics are drugs used to decrease a patient’s ability to form a clot. Also known as blood thinners, these drugs are most commonly used in cats with severe heart disease at risk for stroke formation. Warfarin (coumadin) is a commonly used antithrombotic in people. Cats have variable response to this drug, and so it is rarely used. Aspirin and clopridgrel are the two most commonly used oral antithrombotics.
Aspirin:
Aspirin (ASA or acetylsalicylic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) occasionally used to help reduce the risk of clot formation in cats with severe heart enlargement or in dogs with heartworm disease. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which leads to the formation of a clot. Due to their metabolism, cats cannot take aspirin daily, and are usually put on an every 2 – 3 day regimen. Side effects include inappetance, vomiting (especially any coffee ground like material) or discolored (dark, tarry) stool. If any of these occur while your pet is taking aspirin, it is best to discontinue the drug and notify your veterinarian. Do not combine with a steroid (such as prednisone, prednisolone) as serious gastrointestinal ulceration may result.
Aspirin (ASA or acetylsalicylic acid) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) occasionally used to help reduce the risk of clot formation in cats with severe heart enlargement or in dogs with heartworm disease. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which leads to the formation of a clot. Due to their metabolism, cats cannot take aspirin daily, and are usually put on an every 2 – 3 day regimen. Side effects include inappetance, vomiting (especially any coffee ground like material) or discolored (dark, tarry) stool. If any of these occur while your pet is taking aspirin, it is best to discontinue the drug and notify your veterinarian. Do not combine with a steroid (such as prednisone, prednisolone) as serious gastrointestinal ulceration may result.
Clopridogrel (PLAVIX®):
Clopridogrel is occasionally used to help reduce the risk of clot formation in cats with severe heart enlargement. Clopridogrel inhibits platelet aggregation, which leads to the formation of a clot. Side effects are typically milder that those seen with aspirin, but may include inappetance, vomiting and some blood cell dyscrasias. If any of these occur while your pet is taking clopridogrel, it is best to discontinue the drug and notify your veterinarian.
Clopridogrel is occasionally used to help reduce the risk of clot formation in cats with severe heart enlargement. Clopridogrel inhibits platelet aggregation, which leads to the formation of a clot. Side effects are typically milder that those seen with aspirin, but may include inappetance, vomiting and some blood cell dyscrasias. If any of these occur while your pet is taking clopridogrel, it is best to discontinue the drug and notify your veterinarian.
ANTIARRHYTHMICS:
Antiarrhythmic drugs are used in the treatment of patients suffering from arrhythmias. There are four general classes of antiarrhythmic drugs, however some have crossover class action. Class I antiarrhythmics are sodium-channel blockers, and include procainamide and mexilitine. Class II drugs are beta-blockers, and include atenolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol. Class III drugs are potassium-channel blockers and include sotalol. Class IV drugs are calcium-channel blockers and include diltiazem. Most antiarrhythmics help control the heart rate, and may be prescribed to patients with rapid heart rates (tachycardia). All patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs should be periodically reevaluated by EKG (ECG or electrocardiography). Occasionally, the placement of a Holter or event monitor may be recommended.
Mexilitine (MEXITIL®):
Procainamide (PROCAN®, PRONESTYL®):
Mexilitine and procainamide belong to the class of drugs known as Class I antiarrhythmics or sodium-channel blockers. These drugs are used to control rhythm disturbances. They alter the electrical conduction of the heart and can block some types of abnormal rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia (VT or “V-tach”). In general, these drugs are very well tolerated with low risk for side effects, which may include gastrointestinal upset and neurologic dysfunction in rare cases. There is a risk for changing the electrical conduction in a manner that is less stable than the current abnormality. For this reason, reevaluation of the ECG or placement of a Holter monitor is often recommended.
Procainamide (PROCAN®, PRONESTYL®):
Mexilitine and procainamide belong to the class of drugs known as Class I antiarrhythmics or sodium-channel blockers. These drugs are used to control rhythm disturbances. They alter the electrical conduction of the heart and can block some types of abnormal rhythms such as ventricular tachycardia (VT or “V-tach”). In general, these drugs are very well tolerated with low risk for side effects, which may include gastrointestinal upset and neurologic dysfunction in rare cases. There is a risk for changing the electrical conduction in a manner that is less stable than the current abnormality. For this reason, reevaluation of the ECG or placement of a Holter monitor is often recommended.
Atenolol (TENORMIN®):
Metoprolol (TOPROL®):
Carvedilol (COREG®):
Atenolol, metoprolol and carvedilol are used to control heart rate, lower blood pressure and control rhythm disturbances. These drugs belong to a general class of drugs known as beta-blockers (Class II antiarrhythmics). These drugs block or reduce the effects of beta-receptor stimulation. Reducing the heart rate and strength of heart muscle contraction can be beneficial for cats with the condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially when the heart contracts so vigorously it obstructs the path of blood. Carvedilol also has alpha-blocking activity, which helps to cause relaxation of the arteries, helping to reduce high blood pressure. Beta-blockers may cause some animals to become weak due to a slow heart rate or low blood pressure. Rarely, a pet may faint. It can depress heart muscle function and heart rate to the point of reducing cardiac output. If your pet collapses while receiving a beta-blocker, contact a veterinarian immediately. NOTE: Dose adjustment of this medication requires heart rate evaluation at a trough blood level (i.e. heart rate is checked just prior to the next dose at the prescribed time interval). The goal is to block the ability to generate a heart rate greater than 160 bpm even under stressful conditions. Generally, if patients have been taking beta-blockers for a long time (i.e. longer than 3-4 weeks), abrupt discontinuation is not advised, and tapering is recommended due to the risk of rebound tachycardias (elevated heart rates).
Metoprolol (TOPROL®):
Carvedilol (COREG®):
Atenolol, metoprolol and carvedilol are used to control heart rate, lower blood pressure and control rhythm disturbances. These drugs belong to a general class of drugs known as beta-blockers (Class II antiarrhythmics). These drugs block or reduce the effects of beta-receptor stimulation. Reducing the heart rate and strength of heart muscle contraction can be beneficial for cats with the condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially when the heart contracts so vigorously it obstructs the path of blood. Carvedilol also has alpha-blocking activity, which helps to cause relaxation of the arteries, helping to reduce high blood pressure. Beta-blockers may cause some animals to become weak due to a slow heart rate or low blood pressure. Rarely, a pet may faint. It can depress heart muscle function and heart rate to the point of reducing cardiac output. If your pet collapses while receiving a beta-blocker, contact a veterinarian immediately. NOTE: Dose adjustment of this medication requires heart rate evaluation at a trough blood level (i.e. heart rate is checked just prior to the next dose at the prescribed time interval). The goal is to block the ability to generate a heart rate greater than 160 bpm even under stressful conditions. Generally, if patients have been taking beta-blockers for a long time (i.e. longer than 3-4 weeks), abrupt discontinuation is not advised, and tapering is recommended due to the risk of rebound tachycardias (elevated heart rates).
Sotalol (BETAPACE®):
Sotalol is used to control heart rate, lower blood pressure and control rhythm disturbances. Sotalol belongs to a general class of drugs known as beta-blocking drugs (Class II antiarrhythmics). These drugs block or reduce the effects of beta-receptor stimulation. Sotalol is also a potassium-channel blocker (Class III antiarrhythmic), reducing the ability of the heart to initiate arrhythmias, and is often used to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT or “V-tach”). Sotalol may cause some animals to become weak due to a slow heart rate or lower blood pressure. Rarely, a pet may faint. It can depress heart muscle function and heart rate to the point of reducing cardiac output. If your pet collapses while receiving sotalol, contact a veterinarian immediately. NOTE: Dose adjustment of this medication requires heart rate evaluation at a trough blood level (i.e. heart rate is checked just prior to the next dose at the prescribed time interval). The goal is to block the ability to generate a heart rate greater than 160 bpm even under stressful conditions. There is a risk for changing the electrical conduction in a manner that is less stable than the current abnormality. For this reason, reevaluation of the ECG or placement of a Holter monitor is often recommended.
Sotalol is used to control heart rate, lower blood pressure and control rhythm disturbances. Sotalol belongs to a general class of drugs known as beta-blocking drugs (Class II antiarrhythmics). These drugs block or reduce the effects of beta-receptor stimulation. Sotalol is also a potassium-channel blocker (Class III antiarrhythmic), reducing the ability of the heart to initiate arrhythmias, and is often used to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT or “V-tach”). Sotalol may cause some animals to become weak due to a slow heart rate or lower blood pressure. Rarely, a pet may faint. It can depress heart muscle function and heart rate to the point of reducing cardiac output. If your pet collapses while receiving sotalol, contact a veterinarian immediately. NOTE: Dose adjustment of this medication requires heart rate evaluation at a trough blood level (i.e. heart rate is checked just prior to the next dose at the prescribed time interval). The goal is to block the ability to generate a heart rate greater than 160 bpm even under stressful conditions. There is a risk for changing the electrical conduction in a manner that is less stable than the current abnormality. For this reason, reevaluation of the ECG or placement of a Holter monitor is often recommended.
Diltiazem HCl (CARDIZEM®, DILACOR®):
Diltiazem belongs to a general class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers (Class IV antiarrhythmics). The primary use of diltiazem is for treatment (and sometimes prevention) of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. Si
Diltiazem belongs to a general class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers (Class IV antiarrhythmics). The primary use of diltiazem is for treatment (and sometimes prevention) of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. Si
