This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Coreg Consumer Information
COREG
Generic Name: carvedilol (car VAY di lole)
Brand Names: Coreg
What is the most important information I should know about carvedilol?
- Do not stop taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping carvedilol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of worsening heart failure such as shortness of breath, weight gain, or water retention.
- Use caution while driving or performing other hazardous activities. Carvedilol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you become dizzy, remain sitting or lying down. Call your doctor if dizziness is persistent.
What is carvedilol?
- Carvedilol is in a class of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulatory system (arteries and veins).
- Carvedilol is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Carvedilol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carvedilol?
- Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor if you have
- asthma;
- a heart problem such as low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, heart block, sick sinus syndrome, a pacemaker, heart failure, and others;
- diabetes;
- depression;
- thyroid disease;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease; or
- any type of circulatory disease.
- You may not be able to take carvedilol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Carvedilol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether carvedilol will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast milk. Do not take carvedilol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take carvedilol?
- Take carvedilol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take carvedilol with food to minimize dizziness.
- Take carvedilol at the same time every day whenever possible.
- It is important to take carvedilol regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping carvedilol abruptly may cause your condition to become worse.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with carvedilol to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, however, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a carvedilol overdose include a slow heart beat, fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, seizures, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking this carvedilol?
- Use caution while driving or performing other hazardous activities. Carvedilol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blood pressure changes. Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. If you become dizzy, remain sitting or lying down. Call your doctor if dizziness is persistent.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking this medication.
- Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking carvedilol before having surgery.
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