What are the primary uses of Coreg 25 mg. How should Coreg be taken for optimal effectiveness. What are the most common side effects of Coreg 25 mg. When should you consult a doctor while taking Coreg. How does Coreg interact with other medications.

Understanding Coreg: A Powerful Cardiovascular Medication

Coreg, also known by its generic name carvedilol, is a crucial medication in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. This alpha and beta blocker plays a significant role in managing high blood pressure, heart failure, and improving survival rates after heart attacks. Its unique mechanism of action sets it apart from other cardiovascular drugs, making it a valuable tool in the medical arsenal against heart-related issues.

How Does Coreg Work?

Coreg functions by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body, particularly epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This blockade results in several beneficial effects:

• Lowering heart rate
• Reducing blood pressure
• Decreasing strain on the heart

These combined effects make Coreg an effective treatment for various cardiovascular conditions, improving overall heart health and reducing the risk of serious complications.

Primary Uses of Coreg 25 mg

Coreg 25 mg is prescribed for several cardiovascular conditions. Its versatility in treating multiple heart-related issues makes it a valuable medication in cardiology. The primary uses of Coreg include:

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Coreg effectively lowers blood pressure by reducing the workload on the heart and dilating blood vessels. This action helps prevent potential complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Management of Heart Failure

For patients suffering from heart failure, Coreg plays a crucial role in improving heart function and quality of life. It helps the heart pump more efficiently, reducing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

Post-Heart Attack Care

After a heart attack, Coreg can significantly improve survival rates, especially in patients whose hearts are not pumping effectively. It helps in the recovery process by reducing the strain on the weakened heart and preventing further damage.

Proper Usage and Dosing of Coreg

Correct administration of Coreg is crucial for its effectiveness and to minimize potential side effects. Here are the key points to remember when taking Coreg:

1. Take Coreg orally with food, typically twice daily
2. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding dosage
3. Start with a low dose, which may be gradually increased
4. Take the medication at the same times each day for consistency
5. Continue taking Coreg even if you feel well

How long does it take for Coreg to show its full effect? For treating high blood pressure, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you experience the full benefit of the medication. Patience and consistency are key when using Coreg.

Common Side Effects of Coreg 25 mg

While Coreg is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can cause side effects. Being aware of these potential effects can help you manage your treatment more effectively. Common side effects of Coreg 25 mg include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Impotence
• Tiredness

These side effects are usually mild and may diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these effects persist or worsen, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.

Managing Side Effects

To minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, which are most common within the first hour after taking Coreg:

• Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
• Take Coreg with food
• Start with a low dose and gradually increase as directed by your doctor

Can Coreg affect your extremities? Yes, Coreg may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. This effect can be exacerbated by smoking, so it’s advisable to dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Serious Side Effects and When to Seek Medical Attention

While most side effects of Coreg are mild, some can be serious and require immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential serious side effects:

• Very slow heartbeat
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Unusual weakness
• Signs of kidney problems (changes in urine output)
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Blue discoloration of fingers or toes
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Mental or mood changes (confusion, depression)
• Seizures

In rare cases, Coreg may cause new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, especially when starting treatment. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in ankles or feet
• Unusual tiredness
• Sudden weight gain

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to Coreg? While rare, severe allergic reactions can occur. Seek emergency medical care if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Precautions and Interactions with Coreg

Before starting Coreg, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. This information helps prevent potential complications and ensures the safe use of Coreg.

Medical Conditions to Disclose

Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Certain types of heartbeat or heart rhythm problems
• Breathing problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
• Severe heart failure requiring hospitalization
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Blood circulation problems
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Any allergies, especially to carvedilol or other medications

Potential Drug Interactions

Coreg can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some medications that may interact with Coreg include:

• Other blood pressure medications
• Heart medications (such as digoxin)
• Antidepressants
• Drugs for diabetes
• Certain antifungal medications
• HIV protease inhibitors

Always provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions.

Special Considerations for Coreg Use

Certain populations may need special consideration when using Coreg. Understanding these special circumstances can help ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Is it safe to take Coreg during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Coreg should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. The potential benefits must outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. It’s unknown if Coreg passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Coreg, particularly dizziness and lightheadedness. Careful monitoring and possibly lower doses may be necessary for this population.

Diabetes Patients

Coreg may mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetic patients. Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial for diabetics taking this medication.

Monitoring and Follow-up While on Coreg

Regular monitoring is essential when taking Coreg to ensure its effectiveness and to catch any potential issues early. Your healthcare provider will likely schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Regular Blood Pressure Checks

Frequent blood pressure measurements are crucial, especially in the early stages of treatment. These checks help your doctor determine if the medication is working effectively and if any dose adjustments are needed.

Heart Function Tests

For patients taking Coreg for heart failure, regular tests to assess heart function may be necessary. These may include echocardiograms or other cardiac imaging studies.

Blood Tests

Periodic blood tests may be required to monitor kidney and liver function, as well as to check blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

How often should you have follow-up appointments while taking Coreg? The frequency of follow-up appointments will depend on your individual situation, but they are typically more frequent when you first start the medication and may become less frequent as your condition stabilizes.

By understanding the uses, proper administration, potential side effects, and necessary precautions associated with Coreg 25 mg, patients can work more effectively with their healthcare providers to manage their cardiovascular health. Remember, Coreg is a powerful medication that requires careful management and regular monitoring for optimal results. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and never adjust your medication regimen without professional guidance.

Coreg Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Carvedilol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival if your heart is not pumping well. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on your heart. Carvedilol belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha and beta blockers.

How to use Coreg

See also Warning section.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking carvedilol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, or you have worsening symptoms of heart failure like increased shortness of breath).

Side Effects

See also Warning and Precautions sections.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, diarrhea, impotence, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. The risk of dizziness is highest within 1 hour after you take your dose. Taking this medication with food and starting treatment with a low dose and slowly increasing your dose as directed by your doctor help to reduce the risk of dizziness.

This drug may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, unusual weakness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, blue fingers/toes, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression), seizures.

Although this medication may be used to treat heart failure, some people may rarely develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, especially at the start of carvedilol treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of these serious side effects: shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain types of heartbeat/heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), severe heart failure requiring hospitalization, liver disease, kidney disease, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud’s disease, peripheral vascular disease), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma), other heart problems (such as Prinzmetal’s variant angina), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause you to faint. This is most likely to occur within 1 hour after taking your dose, especially when you start carvedilol treatment or any time your doctor increases your dose. During these periods, avoid driving and doing hazardous tasks. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

People who wear contact lenses may have dry eyes while taking this medication.

Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you have diabetes, or are vomiting, fasting, or not eating regularly. Other symptoms of low blood sugar level, such as dizziness and sweating, are not affected by this drug.

If you have diabetes, this product may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Children may be at greater risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while using this drug, especially if they are vomiting or not eating regularly. To help prevent low blood sugar, make sure children eat regularly. If your child cannot eat regularly, is vomiting, or has symptoms of low blood sugar (such as sweating, shaking), tell the doctor right away.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and lightheadedness.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using carvedilol. Carvedilol may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if carvedilol passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to pass into breast milk in large amounts. There is a low risk that it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

One product that may interact with this drug is: fingolimod.

Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Does Coreg interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: very slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting, slow/shallow breathing, seizures.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

Have your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate) checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure and pulse at home, and share the results with your doctor.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Coreg 6.25 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: ovalImprint: SB 4140 SB 4140

This medicine is a white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “SB 4140” and “SB 4140”.

Coreg 12.5 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: ovalImprint: SB 4141 SB 4141

This medicine is a white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “SB 4140” and “SB 4140”.

Coreg 3.125 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: ovalImprint: SB 39

This medicine is a white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “SB 4140” and “SB 4140”.

Coreg 25 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: ovalImprint: SB 4142 SB 4142

This medicine is a white, oval, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “SB 4140” and “SB 4140”.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Carvedilol: a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and prevent angina, heart disease and stroke.

1. About carvedilol

Carvedilol is a beta blocker.

It’s used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and helps prevent:

• heart disease
• heart attacks
• strokes

It can also be given with other medicines to treat heart failure and to prevent chest pain caused by angina.

Carvedilol is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.

2. Key facts

• Carvedilol slows down your heart rate and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
• You’ll usually take carvedilol once or twice a day.
• It usually starts to work after about 1 hour. But it will take days or weeks for it to reach its full effect.
• Common side effects of carvedilol include headaches and feeling tired or dizzy.
• Do not stop taking carvedilol suddenly. This can make your condition worse, especially if you have heart disease.

3. Who can and cannot take carvedilol

Carvedilol can be taken by most adults. It can sometimes be prescribed by a specialist for children aged 2 years and over.

Carvedilol is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction to carvedilol or any other medicines
• lung disease or asthma
• heart failure that is getting worse
• have low blood pressure (hypotension) or a slow heart rate
• a liver problem
• serious circulation problems in your arms and legs, such as Raynaud’s

4.

How and when to take carvedilol

When you start taking carvedilol, your doctor may advise you to take your first dose just before you go to bed. This is because it can make you feel dizzy.

After the first dose, if you do not feel dizzy, you can take your medicine in the morning. If you do feel dizzy, it’s best to keep taking your medicine at bedtime.

It’s best to take carvedilol at the same time each day.

If you take it twice a day, you’ll usually have 1 dose in the morning and 1 dose in the evening. Leave 10 to 12 hours between doses if you can.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush them.

Carvedilol does not usually upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food. However, if you are taking carvedilol for heart failure, it’s best to take the tablets with food. This will help reduce the risk of you feeling dizzy or faint when you stand up.

If you find tablets difficult to swallow, some strengths have a score line to help you break the tablet in half. Check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if you can do this.

Dosage

Carvedilol tablets come in 4 different strengths – 3.125mg, 6.25mg, 12.5mg and 25mg.

How much you take depends on why you need carvedilol.

The usual starting dose to treat:

• high blood pressure is 12.5mg once a day for 2 days – this is increased to 25mg, taken once a day. If your blood pressure does not go down enough your doctor may increase your dose to up to 50mg a day. This can be taken as a single dose or split into 2 doses.
• heart failure is 3.125mg, taken twice a day for 2 weeks. Your doctor will then slowly increase the dose every 2 weeks up to a maximum of 25mg to 50mg (depending on your weight).
• angina is 12.5mg, taken twice a day for 2 days – this is increased to 25mg, taken twice a day.

If your child is prescribed carvedilol, the doctor will use their weight to work out the right dose.

What if I forget to take it?

If you miss a dose of carvedilol, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as normal.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

The amount of carvedilol that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

Taking too much carvedilol can lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and make it difficult to breathe.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

• you take too much carvedilol

Call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk

If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, carvedilol can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Side effects usually improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects

These common side effects may happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They’re usually mild and last a few days after starting the medicine or increasing your dose.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

• feeling dizzy
• headaches
• feeling tired
• feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
• cold fingers or toes

Serious side effects

It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking carvedilol.

Tell a doctor straight away if you have:

• nose bleeds that last for more than 10 minutes, unexplained bruising, or you bruise more easily than usual – these can be signs of low numbers of platelets in your blood (thrombocytopenia)
• high temperature, sore throat, mouth sores, toothache, flu-like symptoms – these can be signs of a low number of white blood cells (leukopenia)
• shortness of breath with a cough that gets worse when you exercise (like walking up the stairs), swollen ankles or legs, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat – these may be signs of other heart problems
• shortness of breath, wheezing and tightening of your chest – these can be signs of lung problems
• yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – these can be signs of liver problems

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to carvedilol.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of carvedilol. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. How to cope with side effects of carvedilol

What to do about:

• feeling dizzy – as your body gets used to carvedilol this side effect should wear off. If carvedilol makes you feel dizzy, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive or operate machinery until you feel OK again. Try to avoid alcohol as it’ll make you feel worse.
• headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Do not drink too much alcohol. Headaches usually go away after the first week of taking carvedilol. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last more than a week or are severe.
• feeling tired – do not drive, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery if you’re feeling tired. Do not drink any alcohol as this will make you feel more tired.
• feeling sick or being sick – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your carvedilol after a meal or snack. If you’re being sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration.
• cold fingers or toes – put your hands or feet under warm running water, massage them, and wiggle your fingers and toes. Do not smoke or have drinks with caffeine, as this can make your blood vessels narrower and restrict your blood flow. It’s best not to wear tight watches or bracelets as well. Try wearing mittens (they’re warmer than gloves) and warm socks. Speak to your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Carvedilol and pregnancy

Carvedilol is not usually recommended if you’re pregnant.

If you’re trying to get pregnant or you’re already pregnant, talk to your doctor about taking carvedilol. It may be possible to change to other medicines that are more suitable when you’re pregnant, such as labetalol or nifedipine.

Carvedilol and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take carvedilol while breastfeeding.

There is no information about whether carvedilol passes into breast milk, but it would only be expected to pass through in small amounts. It’s unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

If you notice that your baby isn’t feeding as well as usual, or seems unusually sleepy, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, then talk to your health visitor, midwife or doctor as soon as possible.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you’re:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding

Find out more about high blood pressure and pregnancy.

8. Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that can affect the way carvedilol works.

Tell your doctor if you’re taking:

• other medicines for high blood pressure – when taken together with carvedilol, they can sometimes lower your blood pressure too much
• other medicines that can lower your blood pressure – these include some antidepressants, nitrates (for chest pain), baclofen (a muscle relaxant), medicines for an enlarged prostate gland like tamsulosin, or levodopa (for Parkinson’s disease)
• medicines for an irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone or flecainide
• medicines for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• medicines for diabetes, particularly insulin – carvedilol may make it more difficult to recognise the warning signs of low blood sugar. Speak to your doctor if you have low blood sugar levels without getting any warning signs. You should check your blood sugar after exercise, and follow usual advice about checking it before driving, or operating machinery.
• medicines that treat nose or sinus congestion, or other cold remedies (including those you can buy in the pharmacy)
• medicines for allergies, such as ephedrine, noradrenaline or adrenaline
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen – these medicines may increase your blood pressure

Mixing carvedilol with herbal remedies and supplements

There’s very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with carvedilol. However, some herbal products, such as cod liver oil, hawthorn and garlic tablets may cause low blood pressure (hypotension).

Important:
Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about carvedilol

How does carvedilol work?

Carvedilol is a type of medicine called a beta blocker.

Like other beta blockers, carvedilol works by slowing down your heart rate and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

It also works like an alpha blocker to widen some of your blood vessels. This helps lower your blood pressure.

For angina, carvedilol works by improving the blood supply to your heart. Angina is chest pain that comes on when not enough blood gets to the muscles of the heart. It usually happens because the arteries to the heart become hardened and narrowed.

Carvedilol widens the arteries so more oxygen gets to the heart and chest pain is prevented. It also slows your heart down and makes it beat more effectively. This reduces the amount of oxygen needed by your heart muscle and prevents angina.

How long does it take to work?

Carvedilol usually starts to work after about 1 hour. But it will take days or weeks to reach its full effect.

You may not feel any different when you take carvedilol for high blood pressure, but this does not mean it’s not working. It’s important to keep taking your medicine.

How long will I take it for?

Usually, treatment with carvedilol is long term. It may be for the rest of your life.

Can I take carvedilol for a long time?

Most people take carvedilol for a long time with no problems. In fact, it works best when you take it long term.

What will happen if I stop taking it?

Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking carvedilol. If you’re bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine instead.

How does it compare with other medicines for high blood pressure?

Carvedilol works as well as other beta blockers to reduce blood pressure, but it’s mainly used to prevent angina or heart failure because it also widens the blood vessels.

The main difference with carvedilol is that it can affect other parts of your body too, such as your lungs.

Other medicines used to lower blood pressure work in different ways to beta blockers. These include:

• ACE inhibitors such as ramipril and lisinopril
• angiotensin receptor blockers like losartan
• calcium channel blockers like amlodipine
• medicines that make you pee more (diuretics) like indapamide

The medicine your doctor prescribes first depends on your age and ethnicity. If you’re under 55 years old, you’ll usually be offered an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. If you’re 55 years old or over, or of African Caribbean or black African origin, you’ll usually be offered a calcium channel blocker.

If you are bothered by side effects, you may have to try a different blood pressure medicine. Many people need to take a combination.

How does it compare with other medicines for chest pain and angina?

There are lots of other medicines to prevent angina attacks.

They include:

• calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem and amlodipine
• nitrates like isosorbide mononitrate
• medicines such as ranolazine, nicorandil or ivabradine

If carvedilol does not work for you, or you cannot take carvedilol or other beta blockers because of side effects, you may be able to switch to another medicine.

Your doctor will be able to decide which medicine is best for you. Some people may need to take a combination of medicines to control their angina symptoms.

How does it compare with other medicines that treat heart failure?

Carvedilol is used with other medicines to treat heart failure and prevent complications, These can include ACE inhibitors (like ramipril and lisinopril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (like losartan).

Other beta blockers like bisoprolol and nebivolol can be used instead of carvedilol in a similar way.

Will I need to stop carvedilol before surgery?

Tell your doctor you’re taking carvedilol if you’re going to be put to sleep (using general anaesthetic) or have any kind of major operation.

Your doctor may advise you to stop taking carvedilol before surgery.

This is because carvedilol can lower your blood pressure too much when it’s combined with some general anaesthetics.

Can I drink alcohol?

Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of carvedilol. This can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

During the first few days of taking carvedilol, or after an increase in your dose, it is best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.

If you find carvedilol makes you feel dizzy it’s best to stop drinking alcohol.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat and drink normally while taking carvedilol.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help your heart condition.

Will it affect my contraception?

Carvedilol will not stop your contraception working.

But some types of combined hormonal methods of contraception, such as the combined pill and contraceptive patch, are not usually recommended for women with high blood pressure.

Talk to your doctor if you’re taking a combined hormonal contraceptive.

If carvedilol makes you vomit, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.

Read more about what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re being sick.

Will it affect my fertility?

There’s no clear evidence to suggest that taking carvedilol will reduce fertility in either men or women.

If you’re trying for a baby or having problems getting pregnant while on carvedilol, speak to your doctor.

Will it affect my sex life?

Some people on carvedilol say their sex drive goes down and some men say they cannot get an erection.

There’s not enough evidence to say that carvedilol causes this.

If you’re having problems with your sex life, talk to your doctor.

Do I need to avoid playing sports?

You do not need to stop playing sports if you take carvedilol. But it’s a good idea not to push yourself too much.

Regular exercise is good for you because it lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition.

However, in some sports carvedilol may not be allowed if you’re competing at a very high level.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Carvedilol can make you feel tired or dizzy, especially when you first start taking it or after increasing your dose.

If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel OK again.

Can lifestyle changes help heart problems?

If you have heart problems, you can boost the health of your heart by making some lifestyle changes.

It’s a good idea to:

• quit smoking – not smoking will bring down your blood pressure and relieve heart failure symptoms.
• cut down on alcohol – drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure over time and makes heart failure worse. Drinking alcohol while you’re taking carvedilol can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• exercise – regular exercise lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition. Even walking every day will help.
• eat well and lower the salt in your diet – aim to eat plenty of fruit and veg, wholegrains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.