CARTIA XT

Drug Name: CARTIA XT

CARTIA XT DESCRIPTION:
DILTIAZEM 24 HOUR SUSTAINED ACTION CAPSULE - ORAL (dill-TIE-uh-zem)

COMMON CARTIA XT BRAND NAME(S):
Cardizem CD

CARTIA XT SIDE EFFECTS:
CARTIA XT may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to allow your body to adjust and minimize dizziness. You may also experience bloating, heartburn, muscle cramps, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, sore throat, constipation, or diarrhea. Inform your doctor if they become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties; swelling of the hands or feet; an irregular heartbeat. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CARTIA XT:
CARTIA XT: The capsule(s) may be taken without regard to meals once daily in the morning. Swallow whole. Do not open, chew or crush the capsule. Do not stop taking CARTIA XT suddenly without your doctor's permission. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

CARTIA XT USES:
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction and in controlling the electrical impulses within the heart. By blocking calcium, diltiazem relaxes and widens blood vessels and can normalize heartbeats. Diltiazem is used to treat chest pain (angina) or high blood pressure.

OTHER USES OF CARTIA XT:
CARTIA XT may also be used to treat irregular heartbeats.

CARTIA XT PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, any allergies. Limit intake of alcohol while taking CARTIA XT. CARTIA XT should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. If there is no alternative to using CARTIA XT you should discontinue breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

CARTIA XT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: cyclosporine, flecainide, beta-blockers (including eye drops), digoxin, lithium, disopyramide, high blood pressure medication, quinidine, rifampin, carbamazepine, cimetidine. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples). These drugs are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CARTIA XT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.

MISSED CARTIA XT DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CARTIA XT STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.