WHAT IS Cartia/Diltiazem hcl TABLETS?

Cartia/DILTIAZEM is a Phoslo/calcium-channel blocker. It affects the amount of Phoslo/calcium found in your heart and muscle cells. This relaxes your blood vessels, which can reduce the amount of work the heart has to do. This medicine is used to treat chest pain caused by angina. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Cartia/Diltiazem hcl?

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

• unusual bleeding or bruising
• confusion, mental depression
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• irregular heartbeat
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• swelling of the ankles, feet
• slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

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

• tired or weak
• constipation or diarrhea
• trouble sleeping
• flushing of the face
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• change in sex drive or performance

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Cartia/Diltiazem hcl?

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

• previous heart attack
• breast-feeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Cartia/diltiazem, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• heart problems, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• liver disease

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Cartia/Diltiazem hcl?

Check your blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure and pulse rate should be and when you should contact him or her.

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Cartia/Diltiazem hcl?

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Cartia/Diltiazem hcl?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• ranolazine
• cisapride
• hawthorn
• red yeast rice
• pimozide

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• Lanoxin/digoxin
• Buspar/buspirone
• medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping like midazolam and triazolam
• local anesthetics or general anesthetics
• cimetidine
• quinidine
• Mevacor/lovastatin
• rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
• Epitol/carbamazepine
• Neoral/cyclosporine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

HOW SHOULD I USE Cartia/Diltiazem hcl?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is usually taken before meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often then directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.