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Compare Cardizem vs. Calan SR

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

Key takeaways

Diltiazem (Cardizem) and verapamil ER (Verelan) are both calcium channel blockers (CCBs) but are used for different conditions. Diltiazem (Cardizem) is primarily used to treat chest pain (angina) and is taken four times a day, while Verapamil ER (Verelan) is used to treat high blood pressure and is taken once daily. Diltiazem (Cardizem) can be crushed or chewed, whereas verapamil ER (Verelan) capsules can be opened and mixed with applesauce if swallowing is difficult. Common side effects of diltiazem include swelling in the legs, dizziness, and tiredness, while verapamil ER can cause constipation, headache, and dizziness. Both medications can cause low blood pressure and heart rhythm problems, but verapamil ER has additional risks for people with certain heart conditions. Diltiazem (Cardizem) is available as a lower-cost generic option, and verapamil ER also has a generic form.

  • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
    Verapamil er (Verelan)
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
    Verapamil er (Verelan)

  • Summary of Cardizem vs. Calan SR

    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 Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Prescription only

    Verapamil ER (Verelan) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It's an extended-release (ER) medication that works throughout the day and is available as a tablet and capsule.

  • Indications of Cardizem vs. Calan SR

    Indications for
    •New chest pain
    •Long-term chest pain
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Cardizem vs. Calan SR

    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 Calcium channel blocker (CCB)
    Pros
    •Lowers blood pressure, which lowers the risk of stroke and heart attack
    •Only need to take once daily
    •Capsule can be opened and contents (pellets) can be mixed in with applesauce for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Doesn't treat irregular heart rate or chest pain like the immediate-release form
    •Has many undesirable side effects, such as headache, dizziness, and swelling of the arms or legs
    •Must use with caution in people with liver or kidney disease

  • Common Side Effects of Cardizem vs. Calan SR

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in the legs and feet (2%)
    •Headache (2%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Weakness (1%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Tablet (Calan SR)

    •Constipation (7%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Low blood pressure (3%)

    Capsule (Verelan)

    •Constipation (7%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Tiredness or sluggishness (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)

    Capsule (Verelan PM)

    •Headache (12%)
    •Infection (12%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Flu (4%)
    •Swelling of arms or legs (4%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Sore throat (3%)
    •Sinus infection (3%)
    •Indigestion (3%)
    •Stuffy nose (3%)

  • Warnings of Cardizem vs. Calan SR

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Risk of low blood pressure
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood pressure
    •Liver problems
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Complications in people with certain heart rhythm problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Cardizem vs. Calan SR

    Learn more about Diltiazem
    Learn more about Verapamil er

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