Jast added Cardizem

[IVPush]

We've just added cardizem to our protocols and I was wondering how effective it is? and what side effects have you all noticed are prevelant with its use?

[Paramark14]

We don't carry it on the truck but I've seen Cardizem (diltiazem) used frequently in the ED for refractory SVT. Its a calcium channel blocker and it seems to work well. They usually will give 20 mg over 2minutes and rebolus at 25 mg if needed. Our MD is thinking about letting us carry it.

[Canmedic]

We don't use diltiazem in our service, but it is used in our ED quite frequently for A-Fib w/ RVR....it seems to work quite well, and the need for a rebolus seems rare....as far as side effects, I haven't witnessed any myself. One drawback seems to be that it needs refridgeration....

Mike Kesthely
FF/Paramedic
Lethbridge Fire Dept.

[BTFD1119]

I WORK IN BUCKS COUNTY PA AND WE DONT REFRIGERATE OUR CARDIZEM, NOE OF OUR DRUGS ARE REFIGERATED. BUT SINCE IM AN EMT I USUALLY DONT SEE CARDIZEM WORKING ITS ONLY BEEN GIVEN ENROUTE WHIL EI WAS WORKING.

[Canmedic]

I thought you'd find this interesting, BTFD1119 :

"Cardizem Injectable, Syringe, and Single-Use Vial: STORE PRODUCT UNDER REFRIGERATION 2-8°C (36-46°F). DO NOT FREEZE. MAY BE STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR UP TO 1 MONTH. DESTROY AFTER 1 MONTH AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. Syringe and Single-Use Vial: PRODUCT IS TO BE STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 15-30°C (59-86°F). DO NOT FREEZE. RECONSTITUTED MATERIAL IS STABLE FOR 24 HOURS AT CONTROLLED ROOM TEMPERATURE"

So, you can store it at room temp, but only for a month. We do the same thing with our IV lorazepam, pitch it out early, because we opt to not refrigerate.

The site I got that info from was www.genrx.com

Mike Kesthely
FF/Paramedic
Lethbridge Fire Dept.

[BTFD1119]

Thank you Mike.

[mcorreira]

Great drug. We have carried it for a few years now and it works like a dream. We do NOT refrigerate it so we must dispose of it monthly. Some things to watch out for:

untoward effect with the elderly (dose=.25mg/kg, I usually will give it in 5mg increments with the elderly)

Hypotension (not as common as the one above)

Stay safe

[SYSIPHUS]

:D We carry Cardizem in an reconstitutable form that lasts for a year or two. It's only available per med con but you guys might look into this form of it... Good luck!!!!!

[Girt70]

There is a Dry Freeze version of this drug that does not need refridgeration. It's called Lyoject Cardizem. Same dose but is alot more EMS friendly.:)