Generic Cartia Xt (Diltiazem Hcl)

Introduction

Cartia Xt is a tablet formulation that contains the active compound diltiazem HCl (hydrochloride) at a strength of 180 mg per pill. Diltiazem is a non-dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that is classified among the rate-controlling and anti-anginal agents. The medication is primarily prescribed for the management of hypertension, chronic stable angina, and for controlling ventricular response in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. In addition to these approved indications, clinicians sometimes consider diltiazem for off-label purposes such as migraine prophylaxis or certain peripheral vascular disorders, though such uses lack formal regulatory approval.

What is Cartia Xt?

Cartia Xt is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound diltiazem HCl. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Diltiazem has been marketed under brand names such as Cardizem, Cartia, and Dilacor. The generic formulation is produced by licensed manufacturers that adhere to good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards and is approved by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

How Cartia Xt Works

Diltiazem blocks L-type calcium channels in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells. By inhibiting calcium influx, the drug reduces myocardial contractility, slows atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction, and relaxes arterial smooth muscle. The combined effect lowers systemic vascular resistance (decreasing blood pressure) and reduces myocardial oxygen demand (relieving angina). In the cardiac conduction system, slowed AV node transmission lowers ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation or flutter. Oral diltiazem is well absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring 2-4 hours after dosing. The extended-release 180-mg tablet provides a prolonged plasma level, allowing once-daily administration. The drug’s elimination half-life averages 3-4 hours, but active metabolites extend the therapeutic effect, supporting the once-daily schedule.

Conditions Treated with Cartia Xt

• Hypertension: Diltiazem reduces peripheral resistance, yielding a modest but reliable drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Chronic Stable Angina: By decreasing heart rate, contractility, and oxygen demand, the medication relieves chest pain during exertion.
• Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation or Atrial Flutter: The AV-node slowing effect limits ventricular response to ≤ 100 beats/min, improving symptoms and reducing the risk of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy.

These indications are supported by pivotal clinical trials, including the PRAISE-I and PRAISE-III studies for angina, and large hypertension outcome analyses that demonstrated consistent blood-pressure reductions without compromising safety.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Cartia Xt

• Migraine Prophylaxis: Small-scale randomized studies have shown that calcium-channel blockade may reduce migraine frequency, although diltiazem is not approved for this indication.
• Cluster Headache Prevention: Case series suggest benefit, likely due to vascular smooth-muscle relaxation, but evidence remains limited.
• Raynaud Phenomenon: In rare reports, diltiazem improved peripheral blood flow in severe secondary Raynaud, yet regulatory bodies have not granted approval.

All off-label applications lack formal endorsement by the FDA or EMA. Use of Cartia Xt for these conditions should only occur under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, after a risk-benefit assessment.

Is Cartia Xt the Right Medication for You?

Cartia Xt is appropriate for adult patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension, chronic stable angina, or atrial-arrhythmia requiring rate control. It is especially useful in individuals who benefit from both blood-pressure reduction and heart-rate moderation. Patients with normal sinus rhythm, without a need for AV-node modulation, may be better served by other antihypertensive classes.

Contraindications include:

• Severe sinus-node dysfunction or second- or third-degree AV block (unless a pacemaker is present).
• Unstable angina or recent myocardial infarction (within 48 hours).
• Known hypersensitivity to diltiazem or any component of the tablet.

Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, or in those taking interacting medications.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Dizziness, especially when standing quickly (orthostatic hypotension)
• Peripheral edema, usually in the lower extremities

Rare

• Bradycardia (heart rate < 50 bpm)
• First-degree AV block or prolonged PR interval
• Elevated liver enzymes (transaminases)

Serious

• Severe hypotension leading to syncope or organ hypoperfusion
• Life-threatening arrhythmias (e.g., third-degree AV block)
• Hepatotoxicity with jaundice or hepatic failure (very uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir) increase diltiazem plasma levels and may precipitate bradycardia or hypotension.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) reduce exposure, potentially diminishing efficacy.
• Concomitant β-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol) can produce additive AV-node depression; monitor heart rate and ECG.
• Digoxin: combined AV-node slowing may increase risk of heart block.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise diltiazem concentrations; avoid regular consumption.
• High-fat meals modestly delay absorption but do not significantly alter overall exposure.

Patients should disclose all medications, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements, to their prescriber.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard Dosing Cartia Xt is supplied as a 180-mg extended-release tablet. For most adults, the usual regimen is one tablet taken once daily with food. Dose adjustments may be required for elderly patients, those with hepatic impairment, or when interacting drugs are present. Some clinicians initiate therapy at 60 mg daily and titrate upward to 180 mg based on blood-pressure response and tolerability.

Missed Dose If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless the scheduled next dose is within 6 hours. In the latter case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Doubling doses to compensate for a missed tablet is not recommended.

Overdose Signs of overdose include profound hypotension, marked bradycardia, and syncope. Management is supportive: place the patient in a supine position, monitor cardiac rhythm, and administer intravenous fluids or atropine as needed. Activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion was within the prior hour. Prompt medical evaluation is essential.

FAQ

• What should I know about traveling with Cartia Xt?

  • Pack the medication in its original labeled container and keep it in a carry-on bag to avoid temperature extremes. If you cross international borders, bring a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter confirming the need for the drug.

• How should Cartia Xt be stored in different climates?

  • Store tablets at controlled room temperature (15-30 °C). Avoid high humidity or direct sunlight; in very hot climates, keep the package in a cool, dry place or a temperature-controlled container.

• What does the Cartia Xt tablet look like?

  • The 180-mg extended-release tablet is typically round, film-coated, and may be blue or white depending on the manufacturer. Imprint codes vary; common markings include “180 MG” or a manufacturer’s logo.

• Are there any inactive ingredients I should avoid?

  • Inactive components can include lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Patients with known allergies to these excipients should verify the specific formulation with the pharmacy.

• Does Cartia Xt require special disposal?

  • Unused tablets should be discarded according to local pharmaceutical waste guidelines. Do not flush them; instead, place them in a sealed container and return them to a pharmacy or waste-collection program.

• Can Cartia Xt affect drug testing for employment?

  • Routine workplace drug screens do not test for diltiazem, as it is not a controlled substance. However, therapeutic-use exemptions may be required for certain specialized testing panels.

• Is Cartia Xt approved for use in pregnancy?

  • Diltiazem is classified as Pregnancy Category C in the United States, indicating that risk cannot be ruled out. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, and always under physician guidance.

• How does Cartia Xt compare to earlier calcium-channel blockers like verapamil?

  • Both diltiazem and verapamil slow AV-node conduction, but diltiazem has a more pronounced vasodilatory effect and less negative inotropy, making it preferable for patients with decreased left-ventricular function.

• What clinical trial first demonstrated the anti-anginal efficacy of diltiazem?

  • The PRAISE-I (Prevention of Recurrent Angina with Isradipine Study) trial, published in Circulation (1986), showed significant reduction in angina frequency with diltiazem compared with placebo.

• Does Cartia Xt have any impact on cholesterol levels?

  • Diltiazem does not directly alter lipid metabolism; any effect on cholesterol is indirect and generally negligible. Patients requiring lipid management should continue separate cholesterol-lowering therapy.

Glossary

Calcium-Channel Blocker

A class of drugs that inhibit the influx of calcium ions through L-type channels in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced myocardial contractility.

Half-Life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %. For diltiazem, the effective half-life is 3-4 hours, extended by active metabolites.

Therapeutic Index

The ratio between the toxic dose and the effective dose of a medication; a larger index indicates a wider safety margin. Diltiazem possesses a moderate therapeutic index, necessitating careful dose titration.

Buying Cartia Xt from Our Online Pharmacy

Cartia Xt can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy. We partner with licensed overseas pharmacies that source the generic formulation from GMP-certified manufacturers. This collaboration enables us to offer the medication at a price close to the manufacturer’s cost, reducing the financial burden for patients who lack insurance coverage or who face high local pharmacy fees.

All products are verified for authenticity and quality before shipment. Our supply chain includes third-party testing for potency and purity, ensuring that the tablets meet regulatory standards. Once an order is placed, the medication is dispatched in discreet packaging that protects privacy and complies with international shipping regulations. Standard delivery typically arrives within 7 days via express couriers, while regular airmail may take up to three weeks depending on the destination.

Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we can import medications that are unavailable locally, providing a reliable solution for patients with limited access. The service emphasizes confidentiality: personal data is encrypted, and no identifiable labeling appears on the parcel.

Choosing our online pharmacy means you receive a trusted, affordable, and private pathway to the generic diltiazem you need, without compromising on quality or safety.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Cartia Xt is intended for general educational purposes only and does not substitute a professional medical consultation. Treatment decisions-including those involving off-label applications-should be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies Cartia Xt to individuals who may encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacy channels, insurance-based prescription programs, or who seek cost-effective generic alternatives. Always discuss any medication changes with your physician before initiating, adjusting, or discontinuing therapy.