Diltiazem aka Cardizem

[Racquet]

Of all times for AF to really mess me about is on my 80th birthday holiday back to the USA

A wicked episode which woke me from sound sleep at 4am was not to be curtailed by the maximum dose of Flecainide. First time. Instead, bpm zoomed to 198 and stayed up there and I had no more drugs to throw at it. So , paramedic trip to the amazingly beautiful Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage where I had my first cardioversion. That got me back into NSR pronto.

However, the enemy only gave me a day of peace. I went back for another cardio version 48 hours later. And this time , NSR only lasted a few minutes so I was admitted and out on a drip of Diltiazem which finally achieved NSR but still on an in and out basis but at least with a greatly reduced heart rate.

I was discharged with a prescription of 90 30mg Diltiazem tablets to use ostensibly u til I can fly back to see my EP in England.

It doesn’t necessarily keep af from happening but makes it more tolerable from my few days of using it.

Dosage is interesting. Basically 3 a day, but if bpm goes over 100 and systolic measurement is over 100, pop an extra one as needed up to 12 a day. Don’t take any if bpm <60.

Can anyone comment on their use or experience of this drug?

[1hopeful1]

I used it for years and it caused blood sugar problems.

[Stentrunner]

I’m on 60 mg twice a day, both for hypertension and as an anti-arrhythmic. Younger folks get three times a day. Seems to be ok - I’m not aware of side effects.

[Ducky2003]

I've been on it for nearly 8 years as I couldn't tolerate Bisoprolol. Always taken mine twice daily, highest dose 360mg per day, currently on 180mg per day.Bit of water retention when on the highest dose and hyperplasia of my gums but all ok on lower dose.

Hope all calms down so you can enjoy your holiday.

[John67]

I have been taking 180mg once a day for the last five years without any side effects.

[Alphakiwi]

Stop rushing about and take life quietly is the only answer now and enjoy.

[Fruitbat2]

Hi Racquet, sorry to hear of all your bad times. All I can say about my experience of Flecainide is that it has made my hair very thin but that is only a minor thing at the side of your experience. I hope you feel better soon.

[Madscientist16]

After I was first diagnosed with AF I was put on 30 mg 3x a day. But if I had to take it every day, I asked for 120 mg ER. It is a long acting tablet that I only took once a day. If I had any issues, I could take one of the 30 mg tabs, but that never happened. The only side effect I had was constipation for the first 10 days I took it. Exercising was difficult at times, because the med reduces the heart rate. I no longer take it as I had an ablation over 4 years ago, but have the 30 mg tabs in case I do experience AF again.