Carvedilol

Uses of Carvedilol

Carvedilol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used after a heart attack that has caused your heart not to pump as well.

Carvedilol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Precautions and Warnings

You should not take carvedilol if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as heart block, “sick sinus syndrome,” or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

Avoid drinking alcohol within 2 hours before or after taking extended-release carvedilol (Coreg CR). Also avoid taking medicines or other products that might contain alcohol. Alcohol may cause the carvedilol in Coreg CR to be released too quickly into the body.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using carvedilol even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

You should not take carvedilol if you are allergic to it, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as heart block, “sick sinus syndrome,” or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure carvedilol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have diabetes (taking carvedilol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar), angina (chest pain), liver or kidney disease, a thyroid disorder, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), circulation problems (such as Raynaud’s syndrome), or a history of allergies.

Dosage

Take carvedilol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Carvedilol works best if you take it with food.

Usual Adult Dose

• Initial dose: 6.25 mg orally twice a day (if this dose is tolerated, using standing systolic pressure measured about 1 hour after dosing as a guide) maintain for 7 to 14 days
• Titration: Increase to 12.5 mg orally twice a day if needed for 10 to 14 days, then to 25 mg orally twice a day if needed
• Maximum dose: 50 mg orally twice a da

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• weakness, dizziness;
• diarrhea;
• dry eyes;
• tired feeling; or
• weight gain.