Description

Diltiazem is part of a classification of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is used by veterinarians primarily for treating cardiac arrhythmias in animal patients.

 

Veterinary Uses for Diltiazem

Diltiazem is used in veterinary medicine to treat a range of heart conditions, including certain types of cardiac arrhythmia like atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. It is also used to treat the effects of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in some cats. While Diltiazem’s effects can cause a decrease in blood pressure, other calcium channel blocker medications are better suited for blood pressure maintenance.

 

How Does Diltiazem Work?

Diltiazem slows or prevents calcium from entering the cells of the heart muscle tissue. It accomplishes this by blocking some of the calcium channels. By reducing the number of calcium ions that enter the cells of the heart, Diltiazem’s effects lead to a widening of the arteries. This lowers blood pressure while slowing the heart beat strength and rate.

 

Diltiazem Precautions and Possible Side Effects

Diltiazem should not be administered to an animal with an allergy or hypersensitivity to it. It should also be used with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing heart failure, especially in cases that require a high dose of the drug.While this medication is safe for use in veterinary medicine, some animals may still experience certain side effects when taking Diltiazem.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a loss of appetite. It is not uncommon for an animal patient to exhibit weakness after taking this medication as a result of the reduction in blood pressure. These side effects are more prominent when Diltiazem is taken alongside other cardiovascular drugs, including vasodilators and diuretics

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