Diltiazem HCI 5mg/ml Injection (5 ml)

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Diltiazem HCl 5 mg/mL Injection for Heart Rhythm Support in Pets

Product Description

Diltiazem HCl Injection 5 mg/mL is a prescription-only sterile intravenous solution for dogs and cats that treats cardiac arrhythmias and heart conditions. As a calcium channel blocker, it slows electrical signals driving cardiac contraction, bringing fast heart rates down and restoring normal sinus rhythm. Reserved strictly for emergency hospital use, it is given intravenously by a licensed veterinarian to stabilise pets in acute cardiac distress.

Benefits

• Treats Supraventricular Tachycardia: Diltiazem is a go-to option for managing SVT in dogs and cats, slowing abnormally fast heart rates by blocking calcium entry into cardiac cells.
• Controls Atrial Fibrillation: In dogs with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, combining this medication with digoxin helps pull the ventricular response rate back to a safer level.
• Manages Feline HCM: Commonly used in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats to reduce heart muscle stiffness and support better cardiac function.
• Emergency Cardiac Stabilization: The injectable form acts rapidly through intravenous delivery, making it a key tool for stabilising pets with life-threatening arrhythmias in a hospital setting.
• Blood Pressure Reduction: Lowers peripheral vascular resistance and cardiac afterload, helping manage hypertension in dogs and cats as part of a wider cardiovascular treatment plan.
• Renal Perfusion Support: Has been used in dogs with acute renal failure to improve blood flow to the kidneys by reducing renal vasoconstriction.

Ingredients

Composition Table

The pH of this solution is brought to the correct level using Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide during the manufacturing process.

How to Use

Directions for Use

Diltiazem HCl Injection 5 mg/mL is a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product. This injectable form is administered intravenously in a hospital setting by or under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian only. Please follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully for the dosage and administration of this medication.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. This product is for in-hospital use only and must not be self-administered at home. Your veterinarian should be contacted before starting or modifying any medication for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Hospital Use Only: This injectable form is strictly for intravenous use in a clinical setting under veterinary supervision and must never be given at home.
• Caution in Heart Failure: Extra care is needed in pets with existing heart failure, as the negative inotropic effect of this product may reduce cardiac output further at higher doses.
• Low Blood Pressure Risk: Falling blood pressure in some treated pets can bring on visible weakness; staying alert for these signs throughout administration is important.
• Pregnant or Lactating Animals: Use only when the potential benefit clearly outweighs the risk in pregnant or nursing animals, and always under close veterinary oversight.
• Drug Interactions: Let your vet know about all medications your pet takes, especially digoxin, cyclosporine, cimetidine, benzodiazepines, buspirone, quinidine, and rifampin, as interactions can be significant.
• Anesthesia and Beta-Blocker Caution: Combining this product with general anesthesia or beta-blockers may raise the likelihood and severity of cardiac side effects including bradycardia.
• Known Allergies: This product must not be given to any animal with a confirmed sensitivity or allergy to diltiazem or any part of the formulation.
• Single-Dose Vial: This product comes in a single-dose vial; any portion left over after administration must be discarded straight away to prevent contamination.
• Prescription Only: This medication is not FDA-approved for veterinary use and can only be dispensed and given under the direct order of a licensed veterinarian.

Possible Side Effects

• Bradycardia: The most frequently noted reaction in dogs; an abnormally slow heart rate is a known cardiovascular effect of this product at standard clinical doses.
• Vomiting: The most common side effect in cats; gastrointestinal upset including nausea and vomiting can show up in both dogs and cats after administration.
• Lethargy and Weakness: General low energy, depression, and physical weakness may develop, often as a direct result of blood pressure dropping in treated pets.
• Loss of Appetite and Diarrhea: A reduced interest in food and loose stools have both been recorded as side effects in dogs and cats receiving this medication.
• Hypotension: A significant drop in blood pressure leading to weakness or collapse may occur, particularly when this product is used alongside other cardiovascular drugs.
• Heart Block and Arrhythmias: Uncommon but serious cardiac reactions including heart block may arise and need to be addressed by a veterinarian without any delay.
• Overdose Signs: A sharp drop in heart rate, very low blood pressure, mental dullness, vomiting, loose stools, and collapse may all signal an overdose; seek emergency veterinary help straight away.

Storage Information

• Refrigeration Required: This injection must be kept under refrigeration at all times, sitting between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C) throughout its shelf life.
• Do Not Freeze: Allowing this product to freeze at any point will damage its stability and safety, making it unsuitable for use.
• Room Temperature Stability: Once taken out of refrigeration, the product may be held at room temperature for up to one month before it must be discarded.
• Single-Dose Only: As a single-dose vial, any amount remaining after use must be thrown away immediately to avoid the risk of contamination.
• Safe Storage Practice: Keep this prescription product locked away or fully out of reach of children and other household animals at all times.

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 is Diltiazem HCl Injection used for in dogs and cats?

Ans: This injection is used in dogs and cats to treat cardiac arrhythmias including SVT and atrial fibrillation, manage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, bring down hypertension, and stabilise pets during acute cardiac emergencies. It is always given intravenously in a hospital setting under direct veterinary supervision.

Q2: Why is Diltiazem given as an injection rather than orally in some cases?

Ans: The injectable form is kept for emergency situations where getting the heart rate or rhythm back under control quickly is critical. For ongoing, long-term cardiac care, oral tablet or capsule formulations of diltiazem are used in place of the injectable version.

Q3: Is Diltiazem Injection safe for cats?

Ans: Yes, it is used in cats under veterinary supervision for conditions including HCM, SVT, and atrial fibrillation. Vomiting is the most frequently reported reaction in cats. Extra care is needed in pregnant or nursing cats, and use should only proceed when benefits clearly outweigh the risks involved.

Q4: What drugs interact with Diltiazem in pets?

Ans: This medication can meaningfully affect blood levels of digoxin, cyclosporine, benzodiazepines, buspirone, and quinidine. Cimetidine may push diltiazem levels higher, while rifampin can bring them down. Pairing with beta-blockers or using during general anesthesia raises the risk of bradycardia and other cardiac complications.

Q5: Do I need a prescription for Diltiazem HCl Injection for my pet?

Ans: Yes, this is a prescription-only medication that can only be dispensed and given under a licensed veterinarian's order. As an injectable product, it is meant exclusively for hospital or clinical use under direct veterinary supervision and must never be self-administered at home by owners.