Buy Cartia Xt
Cartia Xt

$1.93
Active Ingredient
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Cartia Xt Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Pharmacological Class
Non-dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
Minor Side Effects
Moderate Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Extended-Release Capsules
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Blocks calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells, which relaxes blood vessels and slows heart rate.
Prescription Status
Rx
Patient Summary
Used to manage high blood pressure and chest pain by helping blood vessels relax and easing the heart's workload.
Onset Time
Within a few hours
Duration
24 hours
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light
Drug Interactions
Pregnancy Use
Consult doctor before use during pregnancy
Alternative Drugs

About Cartia Xt

Cartia Xt is a prescription pill that contains the calcium-channel blocker diltiazem in an extended-release formulation. It is primarily used to help control the heart’s rhythm and to lower elevated blood pressure, two pillars of heart health that often intertwine. The 180 mg tablet is taken once daily, delivering a steady amount of drug over 24 hours so that blood-pressure peaks and heart-rate spikes are minimized. While the brand is manufactured by Pfizer, the same active ingredient is available from many generic sources, offering a cost-effective option for patients who meet the same clinical criteria.

What is Cartia Xt?

Cartia Xt belongs to the class of dihydropyridine-like calcium-channel blockers, although it is chemically closer to the non-dihydropyridine subgroup. Its sole active moiety is diltiazem, a molecule that interferes with the flow of calcium ions into smooth-muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. Introduced in the early -s, the brand was developed to improve adherence by providing a once-daily, extended-release tablet that maintains therapeutic plasma concentrations throughout the day and night. In Singapore, Cartia Xt is a prescription-only medication, regulated by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and listed on the National Medicines Formulary for hypertension and certain arrhythmias. Because the product is patented, the same formulation is sold under generic names, which are required to demonstrate bio-equivalence before they can be dispensed.

How Cartio Xt Works

Diltiazem’s primary action is the inhibition of L-type calcium channels located on the membranes of cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth-muscle cells. Calcium ions are essential for the contractile process; when a heart cell receives an electrical impulse, voltage-gated channels open, allowing calcium to flood in and trigger muscle contraction. By binding to these channels, diltiazem reduces calcium entry, which in turn diminishes the force of cardiac contraction (negative inotropy) and slows the conduction of electrical impulses through the atrioventricular (AV) node (negative dromotropy).

The pharmacokinetic profile of the 180 mg extended-release tablet is designed for a gradual rise in plasma concentration: peak levels appear approximately 6-8 hours after ingestion, while therapeutic concentrations persist for 24 hours. The drug is metabolized predominantly by the hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 system and excreted in both urine and bile. Because the extended-release matrix releases diltiazem steadily, patients experience fewer peaks and troughs, translating into smoother blood-pressure control and less pronounced heart-rate variability compared with immediate-release formulations.

Why Cartia Xt is Used for Heart-Health Conditions

  • Hypertension - Elevated arterial pressure results from persistent vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output. By relaxing vascular smooth muscle, diltiazem lowers systemic vascular resistance, which directly reduces systolic and diastolic pressures. Clinical trials of extended-release diltiazem have demonstrated reductions of 8-12 mm Hg in systolic pressure, offering a therapeutic option comparable to first-line agents such as ACE inhibitors and thiazide diuretics.

  • Stable Angina Pectoris - In coronary artery disease, the heart’s oxygen demand often exceeds supply during exertion. Diltiazem’s negative inotropic and chronotropic effects lower myocardial oxygen consumption, while its vasodilatory action improves coronary blood flow. Controlled studies show that patients receiving diltiazem experience fewer anginal episodes per week and can increase exercise tolerance without adding additional anti-anginal drugs.

  • Atrial Fibrillation (Rate Control) - In atrial fibrillation, rapid ventricular response can precipitate heart-failure symptoms. Diltiazem’s selective slowing of AV-node conduction reduces ventricular rate without terminating the arrhythmia itself, aligning with guideline-recommended rate-control strategies. Trials comparing diltiazem to β-blockers found comparable heart-rate reductions, with the added advantage of less bronchospasm risk in patients with reactive airway disease.

  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) - For certain re-entrant SVTs that depend on AV-node conduction, diltiazem can abort the episode by transiently blocking the pathway. Though not a first-line abortive therapy, its efficacy in converting SVT to sinus rhythm has been documented in emergency-department studies.

These indications share a common mechanistic thread: modulation of calcium influx reduces both the contractile force and the speed of electrical conduction, thereby controlling pressure, rhythm, and oxygen demand in tandem.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Cartia Xt

Beyond its approved uses, diltiazem has been investigated in several off-label settings. Small observational studies suggest that migraine prophylaxis may benefit from diltiazem’s vasodilatory properties, particularly in patients whose attacks are linked to cerebral vasospasm. In the field of psychiatry, limited data indicate that calcium-channel blockade could modulate neuro-excitatory pathways implicated in bipolar disorder, although robust clinical trials are lacking. Occasionally, cardiologists prescribe diltiazem for pulmonary hypertension as an adjunct to improve right-ventricular function; this practice remains off-label and should only be undertaken under specialist supervision. Off-label use only under qualified healthcare provider supervision.

Is Cartia Xt Right for You?

Cartia Xt is most appropriate for adults who have been diagnosed with hypertension, stable angina, or a rhythm disorder that requires rate control. Ideal candidates are those who can tolerate a once-daily regimen and have adequate liver function, because the drug is metabolized hepatically. Patients with severe heart-failure (ejection fraction < 30 %) may require a lower dose or an alternative agent due to the negative inotropic effect. Those with a history of significant AV-block, sick sinus syndrome, or bradycardia should avoid this medication unless a pacemaker is in place. Additionally, individuals taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) may experience elevated diltiazem levels and should be evaluated carefully. In elderly patients, dose adjustments are often prudent because age-related declines in hepatic clearance can increase exposure. Overall, the decision rests on a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular status, concomitant drugs, and hepatic health.

Taking Cartia Xt Effectively

Because Cartia Xt uses an extended-release matrix, swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; crushing or chewing compromises the controlled-release mechanism and can precipitate sudden spikes in plasma concentration, raising the risk of hypotension and bradycardia. The pill is usually taken once daily in the morning, which aligns the drug’s peak effect with daytime activities and minimizes nocturnal hypotension. Food does not markedly alter absorption, but a high-fat meal can modestly delay the onset of action; patients who experience dizziness on an empty stomach may choose to take the medication with breakfast.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, provided it is at least six hours before the next scheduled dose; otherwise, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule-doubling up is discouraged. Consistency in timing enhances steady-state levels, which is especially important for rhythm control. Patients traveling across time zones should adjust the dosing time gradually to maintain a 24-hour interval, perhaps using alarms or smartphone reminders. For those on multiple cardiovascular agents, it is useful to separate diltiazem from high-dose statins by at least two hours to the potential for CYP3A4 competition.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Because diltiazem modulates calcium entry, vascular dilation is a frequent physiologic consequence. This manifests as flushing, mild headache, or peripheral edema, particularly in the lower limbs. The edema arises from capillary hydrostatic pressure changes and can be mitigated by elevating the legs, moderate salt restriction, and, if needed, adding a low-dose diuretic under physician guidance. Headaches often improve with adequate hydration and, if persistent, a simple over-the-counter analgesic may be advised.

A reduction in heart rate (bradycardia) can be concerning; patients should monitor their pulse if they feel unusually slow, dizzy, or fatigued. If the resting heart rate falls below 50 beats per minute or is accompanied by syncope, immediate medical evaluation is warranted. Hypotension may present as light-headedness upon standing; gradual position changes and adequate fluid intake help reduce orthostatic episodes. Rare but serious reactions include hepatitis, severe allergic dermatitis, or atrioventricular block. Warning signs such as jaundice, widespread rash, or prolonged fainting require urgent attention, potentially in cases, side effects are dose-related and may taper as the body adapts. Regular follow-up appointments enable clinicians to titrate the dose, switch to an alternative calcium-channel blocker, or add adjunctive therapy to counteract adverse effects while preserving therapeutic benefit.

Buying Cartia Xt from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Our online pharmacy streamlines access to Cartia Xt for patients who encounter pricing or supply limitations in local outlets. By leveraging international wholesale channels, we can offer the medication at a price that often falls below the statutory retail rate in Singapore, without compromising on authenticity.

Quality & Safety

We partner exclusively with licensed pharmacies that operate under stringent regulatory frameworks recognized by the World Health Organization and the HSA. Each batch of Cartia Xt is verified against manufacturer-issued certificates of analysis, ensuring that the tablets contain the exact 180 mg extended-release formulation described in the prescribing information.

Pricing & Access

Through our platform, Cartia Xt is priced competitively, with a typical discount of 15 % compared with standard pharmacy shelves. For patients who prefer a generic alternative, we also make Generic Diltiazem (180 mg) available, delivering the same pharmacologic profile at an even lower cost. Bulk orders receive an additional 10 % reduction on future re-orders, supporting long-term adherence.

Discreet Delivery

All shipments are packaged in plain, unmarked envelopes and protected with bubble wrap to preserve tablet integrity during transit. Standard airmail arrives within three to four weeks, while express delivery-available at a modest premium-reaches most Singapore addresses in about seven business days. Your privacy is safeguarded from checkout to receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How soon after starting Cartia Xt can I expect blood-pressure changes? Most patients notice a modest reduction within one week, with maximal effect typically reached after two to four weeks of consistent dosing.

  • Can I take Cartia Xt with other blood-pressure medicines? Diltiazem is often combined with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or thiazide diuretics; however, co-administration with other calcium-channel blockers or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors may require dose adjustment.

  • Is it safe to drink alcohol while on Cartia Xt? Moderate alcohol intake generally does not interfere with diltiazem’s action, but excessive consumption can exacerbate hypotension and dizziness, so limits should be discussed with your clinician.

  • What should I do if I develop swelling in my ankles? Peripheral edema is a common side effect. Elevating the legs, reducing salt intake, and discussing a possible adjunctive diuretic with your doctor are practical steps.

  • Will Cartia Xt affect my ability to drive or operate machinery? Initial therapy may cause mild dizziness or fatigue; assess your own response before resuming activities that demand full alertness.

  • Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Cartia Xt? Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase diltiazem levels, potentially leading to bradycardia or low blood pressure. It is advisable to avoid large quantities.

  • Can Cartia be used during pregnancy? Diltiazem is categorized as FDA Pregnancy Category C; animal studies show some risk, and human data are limited. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the risk, under obstetric guidance.

  • How does Cartia Xt differ from immediate-release diltiazem tablets? The extended-release formulation provides a smoother plasma concentration curve, reducing the need for multiple daily doses and lowering the incidence of peak-related side effects.

  • What happens if I accidentally chew an extended-release tablet? Chewing disrupts the controlled-release matrix, causing a rapid surge of drug that can precipitate severe hypotension and heart-block. Seek medical advice if you suspect this has occurred.

  • Is a dose-adjustment needed for kidney disease? While renal impairment does not markedly alter diltiazem metabolism, severe kidney disease may necessitate closer monitoring; dose reduction is at the physician’s discretion.

  • Can I switch from a generic diltiazem to Cartia Xt without a new prescription? In Singapore, any change between brand and generic formulations still requires a valid prescription, as the product remains prescription-only.

Glossary

Calcium-Channel Blocker
A class of medications that inhibit the influx of calcium ions through L-type channels, leading to vasodilation and reduced cardiac contractility.
Extended-Release (ER)
A drug-delivery technology that allows the active ingredient to be released gradually over an extended period, maintaining stable plasma levels.
Negative Dromotropy
A reduction in the speed at which electrical impulses travel through the heart’s conduction system, particularly the AV node.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Cartia Xt is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute personalized medical advice. All therapeutic choices, including any off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy supplies Cartia Xt to individuals who may encounter limited availability or high costs through conventional channels, or who seek affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your physician before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing any medication.

External Resources about Cartia Xt


Information Prepared By

Nawin Kittisak
Vikneswaran V Paranjothy