Diltiazem for Cat
Cat · Felis catus · typical adult weight 2.50–7.00 kg
Diltiazem is used in cat for Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Routes documented in cat: PO. A typical adult cat weighs 2.50–7.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Diltiazem in cat, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Cardizem, Dilacor
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 1.75–2.5 mg/kg | q8h | Long-term | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your cat's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Blocks L-type calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle. Slows AV conduction, reduces heart rate, and reduces myocardial oxygen demand.
Side effects & warnings
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure. Drug of choice for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Bradycardia, hypotension, AV block possible. Do not combine with beta-blockers without caution.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cat may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Cardiovascular drugs with cat dosing
Diltiazem dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Diltiazem pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cat — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.