Compare Diltiazem vs. felodipine

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Cardizem (Diltiazem)

Prescription only

Plendil (felodipine)

Prescription only
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Diltiazem works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain, but you have to be okay with avoiding alcohol. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.

●●●●●
3.5/ 5 average rating with 105 reviewsforDiltiazem
Lowers blood pressure.

Plendil (felodipine) works well to lower blood pressure, but it may cause swelling in your arms and legs at higher doses.

Upsides
  • A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
  • Calcium channel blockers work especially well for African Americans to lower blood pressure.
  • You can take it alone or with other medicines to help lower blood pressure.
  • Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly.
  • Treats certain abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Plendil (felodipine) is a good option for people with high blood pressure.
  • Calcium channel blockers sometimes work better for people of African descent than other blood pressure lowering drugs.
Downsides
  • Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling in your limbs. If this happens for you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your doctor about alternatives if it bothers you.
  • Women are more likely to have side effects (especially swelling) from Diltiazem than men.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Diltiazem suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Some brands of Diltiazem have to be taken with food, so listen carefully for instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Not a good medication for you if you drink alcohol.
  • Plendil (felodipine) may not work as well as other calcium channel blockers.
  • It can lead to more swelling in your arms and legs when taken at higher doses.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Plendil (felodipine) could cause a sudden spike in blood pressure.
  • Plendil (felodipine) can't be crushed or cut into two.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Extended release capsule
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$9.47
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$11.06
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
105 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Cardizem (Diltiazem)?

Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Edema
    5%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Asthenia
    3%
  • First degree AV block
    2%
  • Bradycardia
    2%
See more detailed side effects
8possible side effects
  • Headache
    10%
  • Swelling
    9%
  • Flushing
    5%
  • Racing heart beat
    4%
  • Weakness
    3%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Nausea
    2%
  • Colds or flu
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Skin rashes
  • Abnormally slow heart rate
    • Taking digoxin or beta-blockers at the same time
  • Sudden liver disease
    • History of liver disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Low blood pressure
    • Over age 65
  • Heart failure
    • Taking in combination with a beta-blocker
  • Special dosing requirements
    • Liver disease
    • Over age 65
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    • History of heart failure
    • History of kidney disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Cardizem (Diltiazem)
Learn more about Plendil (felodipine)