What is the initial IV dose of Diltiazem for narrow complex tachycardia?

What is the initial IV dose of Diltiazem for narrow complex tachycardia?

• A. 0.5 mg/kg IV
• B. 1 mg/kg IV
• C. 0.25 mg/kg IV
• D. 0.25 mg/kg IM

Answer: (C)

In stable narrow-complex tachycardia, diltiazem is used to slow AV nodal conduction and help control the heart rate. The standard initial IV loading dose is 0.25 mg/kg given over about 2 minutes. This dose is chosen because it effectively reduces AV nodal conduction without causing excessive hypotension in most patients. If the response is inadequate, a second IV dose of 0.35 mg/kg can be considered. The IM route is not used for acute rate control, and doses like 0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg IV are larger than the typical starting amount.

In stable narrow-complex tachycardia, diltiazem is used to slow AV nodal conduction and help control the heart rate. The standard initial IV loading dose is 0.25 mg/kg given over about 2 minutes. This dose is chosen because it effectively reduces AV nodal conduction without causing excessive hypotension in most patients. If the response is inadequate, a second IV dose of 0.35 mg/kg can be considered. The IM route is not used for acute rate control, and doses like 0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg IV are larger than the typical starting amount.