Cartia Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs
Uses
Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure(hypertension) and prevent chest pain (angina). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. When used regularly, diltiazem can decrease the number and severity of episodes of chest pain from angina. It may help increase your ability to exercise.Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart so blood can flow more easily. Diltiazem also lowers your heart rate. These effects help the heart work less hard and lower blood pressure.
How to use Cartia XT
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
This medication must be taken regularly to prevent angina. It should not be used to treat angina when it occurs. Use other medications (such as nitroglycerin placed under the tongue) to relieve an angina attack as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Side Effects
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:
Swelling
dizziness,Weakness
headache
nausea
Rash
Precautions
How to Take Cartia Xt
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
Swallow this medicine whole. Do not crush, break, chew, or open the capsule or tablet.
What is a Duentric® coating?
Cartia’s Duentric® coating is a special coating on the Cartia® tablets that is designed to reduce the risk of mucosal damage to the stomach that can be caused by the aspirin. Uncoated aspirin is generally released in the stomach which may cause damage to the mucosa. Cartia® Duentric®coated low dose aspirin is released in the duodenum, the upper part of the small intestine, which reduces the risk of mucosal damage.
Does the Duentric® coating make the aspirin in Cartia® any less effective?
No, this coating does not reduce the effectiveness of aspirin.
Why is it better to prevent aspirin from being released in the stomach?
Cartia® Duentric® coated low dose aspirin is released when it reaches the duodenum - which means less contact with the stomach lining, and less risk of irritation.
Do I need to see my doctor before taking Cartia?
You should only take Cartia® after seeking advice from a doctor or healthcare professional.
Should I take Cartia with food?
Cartia® can be taken with or without food. Food does not alter the effects of Cartia®.
