How is Diltiazem administered for the treatment of SVT?

Diltiazem is administered as a slow IV push for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) due to its pharmacokinetic properties and the requirement for rapid action in acute situations. Administering Diltiazem via slow IV push allows for controlled delivery of the medication directly into the bloodstream, leading to faster onset of action compared to oral forms or other methods.

This route is particularly important in the context of treating SVT, where immediate rate control of the heart is necessary to stabilize the patient's condition, and slow infusion prevents rapid fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate that could occur with too swift a delivery. The slow IV push helps ensure that the medication can be titrated to the patient's response, allowing for effective management of the tachycardia while minimizing potential side effects.

Other administration routes, like oral (pill form) or subcutaneous injection, are less suitable for the urgent treatment of SVT, as they would not provide the immediate effect required in an acute setting. Rapid IV infusion, while it may seem appropriate for quick effects, carries the risk of overshooting the intended therapeutic effect, leading to complications such as hypotension or bradycardia. Thus, the slow IV push remains the