Anticoagulation, endocrine and GI
Diltiazem (Cardizem) drip
Cardizem
Dosing
| Start | 0.25 mg/kg over 2 minutes, then 5–10 mg/h |
|---|---|
| Titrate | 5 mg/h steps |
| Maximum | 15 mg/h, for up to 24 hours |
| Common bags | 125 mg in 125 mL (1 mg/mL) |
| Dose units | mg/h |
Line and administration
- Peripheral or central
Watch for
- Hypotension and bradycardia
- Avoid in decompensated HFrEF and in AF with WPW
Diltiazem: full drug monographIndications, mechanism, pharmacokinetics, cautions and every dose the app lists.
In the one-pagers
- Rhythm GallerySinus, atrial and junctional: Atrial fibrillation: irregularly irregular, no P waves, wavy baseline. Stable: IV beta-blocker, or diltiazem only if EF is over 40%. Unstable: synchronized cardioversion.
- ACLS Algorithms in BriefTachycardia with a pulse: Then a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker (not diltiazem or verapamil in suspected systolic heart failure)
- Aortic Dissection and Hypertensive EmergencyAnti-impulse therapy in depth: An IV beta-blocker comes first (Class 1). A vasodilator alone triggers reflex tachycardia and a steeper upstroke, so it is added only if BP stays high after rate control (Class 1): nicardipine or clevidipine, or nitroprusside, which is fastest but releases cyanide above about 2 mcg/kg/min (label). Esmolol (half-life about 9 min) wears off in minutes if it is not tole
- Toxidromes and AntidotesCardiotoxic drugs: TCAs, β-blockers, CCBs, digoxin, LAST: β-blockers lower cAMP: bradycardia, AV block, poor contractility and, mainly in children, hypoglycemia; propranolol also blocks sodium channels and sotalol prolongs QT. Verapamil and diltiazem slow the heart and depress output; dihydropyridines dilate arterioles with reflex tachycardia until large doses erase the difference. CCBs block insu
Practice Rhythm Gallery questions free17 exam-style questions with rationales on the topic where diltiazem comes up most. No account or download needed.
Other anticoagulation, endocrine and gi
- Heparin
- Insulin (regular)
- Amiodarone
- Octreotide
- Pantoprazole
- Furosemide
- Argatroban
- Bivalirudin
- Procainamide
- Lidocaine
- Magnesium sulfate
- Naloxone
- Eptifibatide
- Bumetanide
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For education and exam preparation only. Follow your institution’s protocols. Study aid: check every dose against your local protocols and medical direction, the bag label and your pump.