Compare Diltiazem vs. hydrochlorothiazide
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 105 reviewsforDiltiazem
Removes water from the body, which lowers blood pressure.
Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) is a well-tolerated water pill that's often the first-choice treatment for mild high blood pressure.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 139 reviewsforhydrochlorothiazide
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.
- Does a good job getting rid of extra fluids in your body by making you urinate more.
- A first-choice blood pressure treatment. Works especially well for people of African descent.
- Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Good option if you have high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Most people have very few side effects from Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)).
- Can be good for patients with osteoporosis since it raises the body's level of calcium.
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.
- Makes you urinate more often.
- Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) doesn't work well in people with severe kidney problems.
- It can increase the risk of gout attacks in people with poor kidney function or a history of gout.
- People with a sulfa allergy may be allergic to Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)).
Used for
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention (edema)
- High urine calcium
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes insipidus from lithium
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$13.12
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$43.15
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Reviews
105 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Cardizem (Diltiazem)?
Leave a review139 reviews so far
47%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ))?
Leave a reviewSide effects
6possible side effects
- Edema5%
- Headache5%
- Dizziness4%
- Asthenia3%
- First degree AV block2%
- Bradycardia2%
The Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
- Current electrolyte imbalance
- Lower kidney function
- Dehydration
- Severe allergic reactions
- History of sulfa allergies
- Gout
- History of gout
- Current kidney problems
- Vision problems
- History of sulfa or penicillin allergies
- Higher blood sugars
- Diabetes