Common Use

Cartia is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, chest pain (angina), and certain heart rhythm disorders. Its active ingredient, diltiazem, belongs to the group of calcium channel blockers. Diltiazem works by relaxing the muscles of blood vessels and the heart, improving blood flow and reducing strain on the heart.

Dosage and Directions

Take Cartia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Cartia should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other medications as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Cartia may impair your thinking or reactions. Exercise caution when driving or performing tasks requiring focus. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Contraindications

Do not use Cartia if you have low blood pressure, certain heart conditions (such as sick sinus syndrome or AV block), or if you have recently had a heart attack. Inform your doctor if you have allergies, kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Diltiazem can harm an unborn baby and passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using Cartia while breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects may include allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing), fever, sore throat, severe skin rashes, irregular heartbeats, fainting, swelling, rapid weight gain, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include skin rash, itching, nausea, warmth, tingly feelings, stuffy nose, dizziness, headache, or tiredness.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
• Antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S.), or telithromycin (Ketek)
• Antifungal medications like fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend)
• HIV/AIDS medications like amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra)
• Beta-blockers like atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), or timolol (Blocadren)
• Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone)
• Buspirone (BuSpar)
• Lovastatin (Mevacor)
• Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
• Sedatives like midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Cartia, as it may lead to dangerous interactions.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose may include weakness, chest pain, light-headedness, slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

Storage

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

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It is not intended for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions tailored to your condition. We are not responsible for any errors in this information or for any consequences resulting from its use.