What is/are Cartia tablets?

CARTIA is used for Treating high blood pressure and chronic stable angina (chest pain). It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cartia is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing (dilating) your blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing heart rate, which lowers the workload on the heart. It also dilates coronary arteries, increasing blood flow to the heart.

Sustained-release (SR), extended-release (ER, XR, or XL), time-release or timed-release, controlled-release (CR), or continuous-release (CR or Contin) pills are tablets or capsules formulated to dissolve slowly and release a drug over time. The advantages of sustained-release tablets or capsules are that they can often be taken less frequently than instant-release formulations of the same drug, and that they keep steadier levels of the drug in the bloodstream.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• certain heart problems (eg, sick sinus syndrome or second- or third-degree heart block and do not have a pacemaker), very low blood pressure, or fluid buildup in the lungs during or soon after a heart attack
• atrial fibrillation or flutter and a preexcitation syndrome

How should I use this medicine?

Take Cartia by mouth with or without food. Swallow Cartia whole, do not open, break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Taking Cartia at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. Continue to take the medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• erythromycin
• Moricizine or rifampin
• Amiodarone, cimetidine, or HIV protease inhibitors
• Amiodarone, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, buspirone, carbamazepine, cilostazol, cisapride, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, digoxin, erythromycin, general anesthetics, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, macrolide immunosuppressants or quinidine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cardizem may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• hallucinations
• irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the feet or hands
• tender, bleeding, or swollen gums

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• facial flushing
• dizziness
• headache
• weakness

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Cartia may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Use Cartia with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Cartia may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cartia. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

Do not suddenly stop taking Cartia. Your condition may get worse if you suddenly stop taking it. If you need to stop Cartia or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Cartia before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking Cartia.

Lab tests, including blood pressure, may be performed while you use Cartia. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cartia while you are pregnant. Cartia is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking the medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.