Effect of diltiazem on porcine malignant hyperpyrexia induced by suxamethonium and halothane.

We have studied the ability of the calcium channel antagonist diltiazem to inhibit and reverse the porcine malignant hyperpyrexia (MH) syndrome. Pretreatment with diltiazem modified an MH response. Treatment with diltiazem was partially effective against a mild (or early) MH response. Diltiazem should not be considered to be an effective therapeutic agent for MH and should not displace the use of dantrolene.