Inhibits calcium ion influx across cell membranes during depolarization,decreases SA&AV conduction,dilates coronary&peripheral arteries.Slows the rapid ventricular rate associated with a-fib and a-flutter,&reduces coronary&peripheral vascular resistance.
INDICATIONS
Rapid ventricular rates associated with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, and for PSVT refractory to adenosine.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypotension(less than 90 mmHg systolic), Acute Myocardial infarction, Cardiogenic shock, Ventricular tachycardia or wide-complex VT of unknown origin, Second or third-degree AV block,(WPW) syndrome, Sick Sinus syndrome, Beta Blocker Use
Avoid use in patients with poison- or drug-induced tachycardia. Calcium chloride can be used to prevent the Hypotensive effects of this drug and treat patients with a calcium channel blocker overdose.
Beta blocker use.
DOSE/ROUTE, Adult Dosage, Initial
0.25 mg/kg IVP (usually 20 mg) administered over 2 minutes.If response is inadequate, repeat in 15 minutes; 0.35 mg/kg IVP administered over 2 minutes
Adult Maintenance infusion
5.0 to 15 mg/hr
Pediatric Dosage
The safety of this drug for use in children has not been established.