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Cartia XT

Generic Name: diltiazem
Brand Name: Cartia XT

What is Cartia XT?

Cartia XT (diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) or angina (chest pain).

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

Important Information

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 (diltiazem) 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 you have recently had a heart attack and you have a build-up of fluid in your lungs.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take 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 is taken by mouth.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need frequent blood tests.

You may be given other heart or blood pressure medications to use, including nitroglycerin or a beta-blocker medicine (such as atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol, or sotalol). Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

Keep using your medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use blood pressure medication.

You should not stop taking Cartia XT suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine 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 slow heartbeats or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Cartia XT?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Cartia XT.

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

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Cartia XT will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

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).

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain;

  • slow heartbeats;

  • pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

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

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

Common side effects may include:

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.

What other drugs will affect Cartia XT?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications 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 your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about Cartia XT (diltiazem).
  • 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.
  • Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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