Efficacy of diltiazem in recurrent supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Diltiazem alters human atrioventricular nodal properties in a dose and rate-dependent manner. Intravenous diltiazem is effective in converting supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm. It may be a very useful drug for sustained control of heart rate in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation. The recommended intravenous dose is 0.25 mg/kg given over 2 mins followed by a maintenance infusion of 5 to 15 mg/h. Clinical data on the electrophysiological effects of oral diltiazem are limited. The oral form may be used as an alternative agent for the prophylaxis of recurrent supraventricular tachycardia.