Diltiazem (Cardizem) Clinical Summary

1. Action & Class: Benzothiazepine Class IV anti-arrhythmic/anti-anginal. Inhibits calcium influx across myocardial and vascular smooth muscle membranes. This slows AV conduction (prolonging the PR interval), decreases heart rate, and dilates coronary and systemic arteries, reducing afterload and blood pressure. It has fewer negative inotropic effects than verapamil.

2. Therapeutic Uses: Hypertension, stable/variant (Prinzmetal's) angina, and ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation (AFib), atrial flutter, or PSVT.

3. Administration & Dosages:

• IV Push: ...