Doses - DILTIAZEM HCL

Dogs:

For treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhthymias:
a) 0.5 - 1 (up to 1.5) mg/kg PO q8h (Pion 1992)
b) For atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: 0.4 - 0.5 mg/kg PO tid; increase dosage gradually every 2-3 days while patient is observed for deterioration of cardiovascular function. Dosages above 1 mg/kg are not recommended. (Calvert 1992)
c) Initially give a 0.25 mg/kg IV bolus over 2 minutes. Repeat 0.25 mg/kg IV bolus every 15 minutes until conversion occurs or total dosage of 0.75 mg/kg has been given. (Russell and Rush 1995)
For supraventricular arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertension:
a) 0.5 - 1.5 mg/kg PO q8h; titrate upwards to effect (Miller, Tilley et al. 1994)

Cats:

For treatment of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias:
a) 0.5 - 1 (up to 1.5) mg/kg PO q8h (Pion 1992)
For treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:
a) 7.5 mg PO tid (Pion 1992)
b) 1.75 - 2.5 mg/kg PO tid (Bright 1992)
c) Initially 7.5 mg (1/4th of a 30 mg tablet) PO q8h; may be given as initial therapy inasymptomatic cats or added to therapy in cats responding poorly to furosemide orenalapril. (Bonagura and Lehmkuhl 1994)
For supraventricular arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertension:
a) 0.5 - 2.5 mg/kg PO q8h (Miller, Tilley et al. 1994)
Monitoring Parameters - 1) ECG/Heart Rate; 2) Blood Pressure; 3) Adverse Effects
Client Information - Inform clients of potential adverse effects. Stress compliance.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Diltiazem Tablets 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, and 120 mg; Cardizem® (Hoechst Marion Roussel)(Marion Merrell Dow, generic; (Rx)
Diltiazem Extended-Release Tablets: 120 mg, 180 mg, & 240 mg; Tiamate® (Hoechst Marion Roussel) (Rx)
Diltiazem Oral Capsules Extended Release 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, 360 mg; Cardizem® SR (Hoechst Marion Roussel); (Rx);Cardizem CD® (Hoechst Marion Roussel) (Rx);Dilacor XR® (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer) (Rx);Tiazac® (Forest) (Rx); generic (Rx)
Diltiazem Injection 5 mg/ml in 5 ml & 10 ml vials; Cardizem® (Hoechst Marion Roussel);Diltiazem® (Bedford Labs) (Rx)