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Compare Cardizem vs. Lopressor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Diltiazem (Cardizem) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) are both used to treat chest pain, but they belong to different medication classes. Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) that works by slowing your heart rate and relaxing your blood vessels, while metoprolol tartrate is a beta blocker that slows down the heart to reduce pressure on blood vessels. Diltiazem is taken four times a day, whereas metoprolol tartrate is typically taken twice daily. Diltiazem is mainly used for chest pain, while metoprolol tartrate also treats high blood pressure and lowers the risk of death after a heart attack. Common side effects of diltiazem include swelling in the legs and dizziness, while metoprolol tartrate can cause tiredness and dizziness. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)

  • Summary of Cardizem vs. Lopressor

    Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Diltiazem (Cardizem) works well to treat chest pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart. Unlike its extended-release counterpart that's taken once a day, diltiazem (Cardizem) is taken four times a day. Common side effects of diltiazem (Cardizem) include swelling in the legs, dizziness, and tiredness.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medication is taken by mouth, typically twice daily, though your dosage depends on what condition you have. Some side effects of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) include dizziness or tiredness. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is available as a brand name and generic tablet.

  • Indications of Cardizem vs. Lopressor

    Indications for
    •New chest pain
    •Long-term chest pain
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack

  • Pros and Cons of Cardizem vs. Lopressor

    Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly
    •Can crush and chew tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic option
    Cons
    •Need to take four times a day
    •Don't take with alcohol
    •Not for people with certain types of heart failure
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •First choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina)
    •First choice treatment for people who've had a heart attack because it lowers the risk of death
    •A possible option for mothers who are breastfeeding
    •Less likely to cause breathing problems than with other beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Need to take more than once a day
    •Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have heart failure or heart disease
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Stopping too suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

  • Common Side Effects of Cardizem vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in the legs and feet (2%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Weakness (1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)

  • Warnings of Cardizem vs. Lopressor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Risk of low blood pressure
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening chest pain and heart attacks
    •Heart failure
    •Slow heart rate
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Risk of difficulty breathing

  • Prices with our coupons for Cardizem vs. Lopressor

    Learn more about Diltiazem
    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate

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