What is Cartia XT, and what is it used for?
Cartia XT is a prescription medicine that contains diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker. It’s used to help treat certain types of high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help with angina (chest pain) by relaxing blood vessels and reducing how hard the heart has to work. [1]
How does Cartia XT work?
Diltiazem blocks calcium entry into heart and smooth muscle cells. That leads to widening of blood vessels and slows the heart rate in some patients, which can lower blood pressure and reduce angina symptoms. [1]
How do people take Cartia XT (and what does “XT” mean)?
“XT” indicates an extended-release formulation, meaning the medication is designed to release gradually over time. You typically take it as prescribed once daily, and the tablet should not be crushed or chewed unless your prescriber says otherwise (because it’s meant to work as a sustained-release product). [1]
What side effects are associated with Cartia XT?
Common side effects can include dizziness, headache, flushing, swelling in the legs/ankles, and constipation. Less common but more serious effects can include very slow heart rate, worsening heart failure symptoms, or certain heart rhythm problems. [1]
Who should be cautious with Cartia XT?
Extra caution is usually needed for people with certain heart conditions (such as significant conduction problems/very slow heart rate) and for those taking drugs that affect heart rhythm or blood pressure. Diltiazem can also interact with other medications. If you tell a clinician or pharmacist your full medication list, they can check for conflicts. [1]
What drug interactions should patients ask about?
Cartia XT (diltiazem) can interact with other medicines, including some drugs used for heart rhythm, blood pressure, and certain cholesterol medicines (and also some drugs that affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism). Ask a pharmacist to review your list, including over-the-counter products and supplements. [1]
How fast does Cartia XT start working?
Because it’s extended-release, effects may take time to become steady. It can still start working the first day, but the full blood pressure/angina effect is typically achieved after reaching consistent levels in the body with continued dosing. [1]
Can Cartia XT be switched to a different diltiazem form?
Sometimes clinicians switch between different diltiazem formulations (immediate-release vs. extended-release) based on symptom control and side effects. The dose is not usually “the same number” when switching formulations, so a prescriber should guide any change. [1]
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Sources
[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm