Summary

Coming soon...

Key Points

• Key Drugs
  • Diltiazem
  • Verapamil
  • Mechanism
    • Myocardium selective
    • Decrease contractility
      • Blocks calcium channels in the myocardium, decreasing the strength of cardiac muscle contraction and thus decreasing the oxygen demand of the heart.
    • Decrease heart rate
      • Blocks calcium channels within the SA and AV nodes, slowing the rate of conduction and decreasing the heart rate.
  • Clinical Use
    • Dysrhythmias
      • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
      • Atrial fibrillation
        • Does not convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, but can help control ventricular rate.
    • Angina
    • Hypertension
  • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
    • Bradycardia
      • A suppression of cardiac activity can cause bradycardia, as well as heart block and heart failure.
        • Contraindicated in patients with current bradycardia or heart blocks.
      • Check pulse prior to administration
      • Can result in hypotension
    • Avoid grapefruit juice
      • Increases the amount of drug levels in the body by inhibiting liver enzymes responsible for drug breakdown
      • Can lead to severe cardiac depression
    • Constipation
      • Encourage a high fiber diet