A patient with permanent atrial fibrillation and a resting ventricular rate of 130 bpm is not a candidate for beta-blockers due to severe asthma. Which calcium channel blocker is preferred for rate control?
- A Amlodipine
- B Diltiazem ✓
- C Nifedipine
- D Nicardipine
Correct answer: B. Diltiazem
Explanation
Diltiazem (a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker) slows AV-nodal conduction and is first-line for rate control in AF when beta-blockers are contraindicated, as in severe asthma. Amlodipine and nifedipine are dihydropyridines with minimal AV-nodal effect and are used for hypertension, not rate control. Diltiazem and verapamil are the non-DHP CCBs used for this purpose.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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