Compare Diltiazem vs. Nifedipine
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
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.
Nifedipine works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain, but you have to be okay with avoiding grapefruit. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.
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2.8/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforNifedipine
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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 Nifedipine than men.
- You can't miss doses. Stopping Nifedipine suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Not a good medication for you if you love grapefruit. It can make Nifedipine have a stronger effect on your blood pressure.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$13.53
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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 review26 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
31%
saiditworked well
46%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Procardia (Nifedipine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
6possible side effects
- Edema5%
- Headache5%
- Dizziness4%
- Asthenia3%
- First degree AV block2%
- Bradycardia2%
11possible side effects
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, giddiness27%
- Flushing25%
- Headache23%
- Weakness12%
- Nausea, heartburn11%
- Muscle cramps, tremor8%
- Peripheral edema7%
- Nervousness, mood changes7%
- Palpitation7%
- Dyspnea, cough, wheezing6%
- Nasal congestion, sore throat6%
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
- Intestinal blockage
- Taking anti-inflammatories, acid reducers in the stomach, anticholinergics, laxatives, levothyroxine
- History of intestinal surgery
- Chest pain
- Taking beta-blockers
- Severe coronary artery disease.
- Liver damage/jaundice
- History of cirrhosis
- Low blood pressure
- Congestive heart failure
- History of tight aortic stenosis
- Taking beta-blockers
- Heart attack or increased chest pain
- Obstructive coronary artery disease