What Is the Difference Between Cardizem LA & CD?

Cardizem LA and Cardizem CD are drugs used to treat high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders and/or chest pain in adult patients. They are calcium channel blockers that slow the rate of electrical conduction to the heart, thus stabilizing irregular heart activity. There are several other versions of Cardizem available in addition to LA and CD. You should take the specific kind prescribed to you by your doctor. The generic name for Cardizem is diltiazem.

Cardizem LA Uses

• Cardizem LA is an extended-release drug containing diltiazem hydrochloride designed to be taken orally once per day. It is prescribed to reduce hypertension, lower high blood pressure and treat stable angina, ongoing chest pain usually caused by lack of oxygen to the heart. It also sometimes is used off-label for migraine and arrhythmia, or irregular beating of the heart.

Cardizem LA Counterindications and Side Effects

• Cardizem LA should not be used by patients with cardiac conduction, congestive heart failure, hypotension (low blood pressure) or acute hepatic (liver) injury. Some patients using Cardizem LA may experience liver problems and skin problems. Patients should be checked regularly for liver function.

Cardizem CD Uses

• Cardizem CD is a controlled release drug take once a day and used to treat adults for variant and stable angina, high blood pressure, poor circulation in the fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon), involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia) and/or to prevent heart attacks.

Cardizem CD Counterindications and Side Effects

• Cardizem CD patients should not be used by patients with "sick sinus syndrome," second- or third-degree heart block (heartbeat irregularities) or low blood pressure. Side effects of Cardizem CD can include abnormally slow heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention, flushing, headache, nausea, rash and weakness. Patients should check their pulses throughout the day and report severe side effects to their doctors immediately.

Other Differences

• In addition to their chemical formulations and these differences between Cardizem LA and Cardizem CD, each drug reacts differently with other medications and herbal supplements and are appropriate for patients of varying heart health. In general, Cardizem CD is available in a generic form, but Cardizem LA is not. Cardizem CD is available in more dosing units--starting from 80 mg and increasing by 20 mg to 500 mg--than Cardizem LA, which is available only in 20 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg, 360 mg or 420 mg pills.