Generic name: diltiazem (oral/injection) [ dil-TYE-a-zem ]
Brand names: Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cartia XT, DilTIAZem (Eqv-Cardizem CD), ... show all 14 brands DilTIAZem (Eqv-Dilacor XR), DilTIAZem (Eqv-Tiazac), DilTIAZem Hydrochloride ER, DilTIAZem Hydrochloride SR, Dilt-XR, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Tiadylt ER, Tiazac
Drug classes: Calcium channel blockers, Group IV antiarrhythmics

What is Cartia XT?

Cartia XT oral is used in adults alone or in combination with other medicines to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or symptoms of angina (chest pain).

Cartia XT injection is used in adults to treat certain heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, or dangerously rapid heartbeats (tachycardia).

Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Cartia XT may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cartia XT side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Cartia XT may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Cartia XT may include:

• swelling;

• infections, flu symptoms;

• trouble breathing;

• headache, dizziness, weakness;

• slower heart rate;

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

• nausea, upset stomach; or

• rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Cartia XT if you have very low blood pressure, a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), or if you have recently had a heart attack and you have a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cartia XT if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker);

• very low blood pressure;

• if your heart cannot pump blood properly; or

• if you have recently had a heart attack and you have a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

You may not be able to use Cartia XT if you have:

• heart failure;

• certain heart rhythm disorders (such as 'Afib' or atrial flutter with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome);

• a heart condition that causes you to have very fast heartbeats; or

• if you are receiving an intravenous beta-blocker (such as atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• congestive heart failure or heart problems;

• low blood pressure or slow heart rate; or

• liver disease.

It is not known whether Cartia XT will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I use Cartia XT?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cartia XT injection is given into a vein by a healthcare provider. Your heart rate will be constantly monitored using an electrocardiogram or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Your blood pressure and other vital signs will also be watched closely.

Cartia XT oral is taken by mouth. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to take Cartia XT.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine.

Some forms of diltiazem oral cannot be crushed or chewed, and some forms can be opened and mixed with applesauce. Ask your pharmacist how to take this medicine.

Your blood pressure and liver function will need to be checked often.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Cartia XT injection is used when needed and does not have a daily dose. Call your doctor if the medicine is not effective.

Take Cartia XT oral as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include low blood pressure, slow heart rate, severe dizziness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while using Cartia XT?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cartia XT extended-release capsules. Drinking alcohol with Cartia XT can cause side effects.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect Cartia XT?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Many drugs can affect Cartia XT. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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