Diltiazem HCI Extended-Release Capsules, 240mg

Calcium Channel Blocker Capsules for Heart Arrhythmias and Disease in Pets

Product Description

Diltiazem HCl Extended-Release Capsules 240mg are a prescription calcium channel blocker used by veterinarians to treat heart conditions in cats, dogs, and ferrets. It works by keeping calcium out of the heart muscle and blood vessel walls, which slows the heart rate, eases the strength of contractions, and opens up the arteries so the heart does not have to work as hard. It is prescribed for supraventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and systemic hypertension, and is used off-label in veterinary medicine.

Benefits

• Arrhythmia Control: Addresses supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation by slowing electrical conduction through the AV node in dogs and cats.
• HCM Management in Cats: Brings heart rate and muscle oxygen demand down in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, supporting better overall cardiac function.
• Blood Pressure Reduction: Opens up blood vessels to bring systemic and pulmonary hypertension down in dogs, cats, and ferrets under veterinary care.
• Once-Daily Convenience: The extended-release formulation keeps cardiac control steady throughout the day with just one dose.
• Flexible Dosing Option: Opening the capsule gives access to the individual mini-tablets inside, letting veterinarians dial in the right dose precisely for smaller pets.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Diltiazem Hydrochloride

How to Use

Diltiazem HCl Extended-Release Capsules 240mg are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

The capsule should not be crushed or chewed whole. A veterinarian may direct you to open it and use one or more of the mini-tablets inside to get the right dose for your pet's weight. Tucking the dose into a soft pill pocket or pill wrap treat makes giving it much simpler for both you and your pet.

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Additional Information

Precautions

• Avoid in AV Block and Sick Sinus Syndrome: Pets with 2nd or 3rd degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or severely low blood pressure should not receive this medication.
• Avoid in Acute Heart Attack: Pets going through an acute myocardial infarction or showing signs of pulmonary congestion should not be given this medication.
• Caution With Beta-Blockers: Combining with beta-blockers like atenolol needs very careful management, as the combination can trigger severe cardiac depression or heart block.
• Caution in Liver and Kidney Disease: Pets with liver or kidney disease need a veterinary review before starting, as reduced organ function can change how the drug is handled and cleared.
• Caution in Pregnancy: Let a veterinarian know if the pet is pregnant or nursing before starting, as the safety of this medication in those situations is not fully known.
• Regular Monitoring Required: Follow-up visits and testing are part of staying on top of whether the medication is doing its job safely and effectively.
• Drug Interaction Risk: Share a full list of your pet's current medications, including digoxin, propranolol, cimetidine, and cyclosporine, with your veterinarian before starting diltiazem.

Possible Side Effects

• Slow Heart Rate: A slower than normal heart rate is the most commonly seen reaction to diltiazem and should be monitored throughout the course of treatment.
• Vomiting in Cats: Some cats experience vomiting on this medication, which often eases when the dose is given alongside a small amount of food.
• Reduced Appetite and Lethargy: A drop in appetite, low mood, and diarrhea can come up and should prompt a veterinary check-in if they stick around during treatment.
• Low Blood Pressure: Some pets may develop weakness or fainting when blood pressure drops more than expected during diltiazem treatment.
• Serious Cardiac Effects: In rare cases, heart block or dangerous arrhythmias can develop and need immediate emergency veterinary attention.

Storage Information

• Store at Room Temperature: Store capsules somewhere cool and dry, maintaining a temperature of 68°F to 77°F inside a tightly closed, light-resistant container away from heat.
• Protect From Light and Moisture: Direct sunlight and humid conditions can wear down the capsule's potency, so a dry, shaded storage spot is the right choice.
• Out of Reach: Keep this medication somewhere children and untreated animals in the home cannot get to it.

NOTE: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What heart conditions does diltiazem extended-release treat in dogs and cats?

Ans: Diltiazem is used for supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, and systemic and pulmonary hypertension in dogs and cats. Certain heart conditions in ferrets are also within its scope. A veterinarian will assess whether diltiazem is the right cardiac medication for the pet's specific diagnosis.

Q2: Can the 240mg extended-release capsule be opened to give a smaller dose?

Ans: Unlike many extended-release capsules, the 240mg ER version can be opened and the mini-tablets inside divided and given as a veterinarian directs. The mini-tablets should never be crushed or chewed. Following the veterinarian's specific guidance when splitting the capsule contents is important to get the dose right.

Q3: How will my veterinarian know if diltiazem is working for my pet's heart condition?

Ans: Changes in heart rate and rhythm are not something that can be seen from the outside without testing. A veterinarian will use electrocardiography, blood pressure readings, and echocardiography at follow-up visits to get a clear picture of whether the medication is keeping the heart under adequate control.

Q4: Can diltiazem be used alongside beta-blockers such as atenolol in pets?

Ans: Combining diltiazem with beta-blockers like atenolol is something that needs to be approached with great caution, since both slow the heart and together they can cause severe cardiac depression, dangerous AV block, or heart failure. This kind of combination should only happen under close specialist cardiology supervision with careful ongoing monitoring.

Q5: What signs indicate my pet may be experiencing a serious reaction to diltiazem?

Ans: An unusually slow heart rate, severe weakness or collapse, fainting, an irregular heartbeat, or sudden breathing difficulty can all signal dangerous bradycardia, heart block, or severe low blood pressure. Stop the medication and get to an emergency veterinary clinic right away if any of these come up.