Comprehensive medication guide to Cartia XR including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$70/month
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Cartia XR is a brand name for Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-Release, a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic stable angina (chest pain) in adults. It belongs to the calcium channel blocker drug class and is taken once daily as an extended-release capsule.
By lowering blood pressure, Cartia XR helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. For patients with angina, it helps reduce the frequency and severity of chest pain episodes by improving blood flow to the heart.
Cartia XR is also sold under other brand names including Cardizem CD, Tiazac, and Matzim LA. The generic form, Diltiazem ER, is widely available and typically much more affordable.
120 mg
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Common starting dose for hypertension
180 mg
Frequently prescribed maintenance dose
240 mg
Standard dose for blood pressure and angina control
300 mg
Higher dose for patients requiring additional blood pressure reduction
Most people tolerate Cartia XR well, but some side effects may occur:
Serious but rare side effects include severe dizziness, fainting, very slow heartbeat, or signs of liver problems (yellowing skin, dark urine). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these. For a complete list of side effects, consult your pharmacist or visit Medfinder.
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Amlodipine (Norvasc)
A dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker widely used for hypertension; does not slow heart rate like Diltiazem
Verapamil ER (Calan SR)
Another non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker with similar effects on heart rate and blood pressure
Nifedipine ER (Procardia XL)
Extended-release calcium channel blocker primarily used for blood pressure
Lisinopril
An ACE inhibitor, a different class of blood pressure medication that is very affordable and widely available
Losartan (Cozaar)
An ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) often used when ACE inhibitors cause side effects
Metoprolol ER (Toprol-XL)
A beta-blocker that also controls heart rate; should not be combined with Diltiazem without careful medical supervision
Prefer Cartia XR? We can find it.
Beta-blockers
moderate(Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol) — Combining with Diltiazem increases the risk of dangerously slow heart rate and low blood pressure
Carbamazepine
moderateDiltiazem can raise carbamazepine levels by 40–72%, potentially causing toxicity
Statins
moderate(Simvastatin, Lovastatin) — Diltiazem increases statin levels, raising the risk of muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
Cyclosporine
moderateDiltiazem increases cyclosporine blood levels, requiring dose monitoring
Digoxin
moderateMay increase digoxin levels and the risk of side effects
CYP3A4-metabolized drugs
moderateDiltiazem inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, which can increase blood levels of many medications
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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