CCBs other than Norvasc please

[CASSIEBEL]

Originally Posted by michaellabibat

Hello Cass,

Thanks , yes you are really helping me. In Egypt, we have 90, 120 and 180 mg of the SR brand (I think it's the extended release but I don't know what SR stands for) so I'm confused. I don't know which one to start with, so what do you suggest?
Thanks,
Michael

SR = slow release (I think)
Cass

[Lenin]

It's confusing, Mike.
Here's what's available at the most popular of the United States online providers:

Cardizem
• Cardizem 30mg, Tablets
• Cardizem 60mg, Tablets
• Cardizem 90mg, Tablets
• Cardizem 120mg, Tablets

Cardizem CD
• Cardizem CD 30 300mg 24 Hour Capsule, Bottle
• Cardizem CD 120mg, 24 Hour Capsule
• Cardizem CD 180mg, 24 Hour Capsule
• Cardizem CD 240mg, 24 Hour Capsule
• Cardizem CD 360mg, 24 Hour Capsule

Cardizem LA
• Cardizem LA 120mg, 24 Hour Tablets
• Cardizem LA 180mg, 24 Hour Tablets
• Cardizem LA 240mg, 24 Hour Tablets
• Cardizem LA 300mg, 24 Hour Tablets
• Cardizem LA 360mg, 24 Hour Tablets
• Cardizem LA 420mg, 24 Hour Tablets

Cardizem SR
• Cardizem SR 90mg, 12 Hour Capsule
• Cardizem SR 120mg, 12 Hour Capsule

Diltiazem HCl
• Diltiazem HCl 30mg, Tablets
• Diltiazem HCl 60mg, Tablets
• Diltiazem HCl 90mg, Tablets
• Diltiazem HCl 120mg, Tablets

What I surmise is that the Diltiazen is only available as a fast acting formulation but the Cardizem is available as SR (Slow Release?,) LA (presumably long acting but how this differs from SR, who knows)...and CD I don't have a clue on what that means...(plays music, perhaps???) .

I DO know that the Cardizem costs 6 to 8 times as much as the diltiazem.

I'd try the diltiazem 60's to start...maybe twice a day if necessary. THen adjust up or down depending on results and side effects.

[CASSIEBEL]

Originally Posted by Lenin

It's confusing, Mike.
Here's what's available at the most popular of the United States online providers:



What I surmise is that the Diltiazen is only available as a fast acting formulation but the Cardizem is available as SR (Slow Release?,) LA (presumably long acting but how this differs from SR, who knows)...and CD I don't have a clue on what that means...(plays music, perhaps???) .

I DO know that the Cardizem costs 6 to 8 times as much as the diltiazem.

I'd try the diltiazem 60's to start...maybe twice a day if necessary. THen adjust up or down depending on results and side effects.

You can get the generic in the SR. I'm sure because I've used it in the past.
But it's a huge capsule that would choke a horse

[Lenin]

Cass,

I looked harder and was able to find a Diltaiazem HCL CR which is a 12 hour formulation at about $ .60 a pill in the 90 mg. Unfortunately the 90 mg. costs 3 times as much as the plain 90's.

I see that the LA is the only 24 hour formulation.

[pal7778]

Tiazac is expensive but maybe the best form. There's a generic equivalent to Tiazac,
but I can't remember the name. Both are long lasting or extended release once-a-day. Cardizem CD is also close to the same thing. In any case I'd start with the 180 and work up to the 300 if necessary. The higher doses do work significantly better, but never take more than you can get by on.