Cartia XT (Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

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Cartia XT

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CARTIA XT™
(diltiazem hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules USP
(Once-A-Day Dosage)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a calcium ion influx inhibitor (slow channel blocker or calcium antagonist). Chemically, diltiazem hydrochloride is 1,5-benzothiazepin-4(5H)one,3-(acetyloxy)-5-[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl]-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, monohydrochloride,(+)-cis-. The chemical structure is:

CARTIA XT™ (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) Structural Formula Illustration

Diltiazem hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, methanol, and chloroform. It has a molecular weight of 450.98. Diltiazem hydrochloride extended-release capsule (once daily dosage) is formulated as a once-a-day extended release capsule containing either 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, or 300 mg diltiazem hydrochloride.

In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: acetyltributyl citrate, ammoniomethacrylate copolymer-NF, D & C Red #28, D & C Yellow #10, D & C Yellow #10 Aluminum Lake, ethylcellulose, FD & C Blue #1 Aluminum Lake, FD & C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake, FD & C Red #40, FD & C Red #40 Aluminum Lake, gelatin-NF, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer-NF, propylene glycol, polysorbate 80-NF, starch, sucrose, talc USP, and titanium dioxide. The 180 mg and 240 mg capsules contain yellow iron oxide. In addition, the 240 mg capsule also contains black iron oxide and red iron oxide.

For oral administration.

This drug meets USP Drug Release 9.

What are the possible side effects of diltiazem?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or slow heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain; or
nausea, stomach pain, low...

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What are the precautions when taking diltiazem hydrochloride extended release capsules (Cartia XT)?

Before taking diltiazem, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as sick sinus syndrome/atrioventricular block unless you have a pacemaker).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 1/19/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.