Generic Cardizem

Generic Cardizem is manufactured by a number of drug companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Watson Pharmaceuticals, and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. The generic tablets, which are sold under the name diltiazem, are available in four different strengths. All generic Cardizem products have been given an "AB" rating by the FDA, meaning they are equivalent to the brand-name version.

 

Generic Cardizem: An Overview

Cardizem® (diltiazem hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of chest pain (known medically as angina). It is part of a group of medications called calcium channel blockers.
 
Cardizem was first manufactured by Biovail Pharmaceuticals. However, the patent has since expired and generic Cardizem is now available.
 

Strengths of Generic Cardizem

Generic Cardizem tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Diltiazem 30 mg tablets
  • Diltiazem 60 mg tablets
  • Diltiazem 90 mg tablets
  • Diltiazem 120 mg tablets.
     

Who Makes Generic Cardizem?

Generic Cardizem is made by the following manufacturers:
 
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Watson Pharmaceuticals.
     

Is Generic Diltiazem as Good as Cardizem?

All generic medications must have certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications.
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to its brand-name version. All of the generic Cardizem versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Cardizem. Keep in mind that there are many versions of diltiazem (the active ingredient in Cardizem)that are equivalent to other products (such as Cardizem CD or Cardizem LA) but not regular Cardizem.
 
It is important to keep in mind that generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients from the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients, which may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;