Cardizem Versus Cardene?

My doctor has suggested that I switch from cardizem 180 mg to cardene 60 mg twice a day. This is all in an attempt to decrease almost daily cardiac vessel spasms to decrease subsequent chest pain. I know the action of my nitro and my dependence on that drug (which works VERY well) but what is the big difference in cardizem and cardene? It is at my discretion to make the change. My plan would be to slowly decrease cardizem dose and overlap with low dose cardene until I completely make the switch to cardene. Thanks for your help again. Joan.

[Sandra Y, RPh]

Both medications are calcium channel blockers. Cardizem (Diltiazem) exerts equal effects on the heart and blood vessels, while nicardipine works mainly to widen blood vessels and decrease blood pressure.

Cardene (nicardipine) appears particularly effective in treating variant angina (i.e., vasospastic angina), which is helpful for your chest pain.