What is Carvedilol ?
Carvedilol, marketed among others under the brand name Coreg, is a drug used in people who are otherwise healthy to treat
- Elevated blood pressure,
- Congestive heart failure
- Left ventricular dysfunction.
It is usually a second-line therapy for high blood pressure. It is swallowed by the mouth.
Carvedilol Uses
- Carvedilol treats high blood pressure and heart failure, including post-heart attack to improve survival rates.
- It lowers high blood pressure and aids in preventing kidney complications, strokes, and heart attacks.
- By blocking certain natural substances like epinephrine in the body, it reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and heart strain.
- Carvedilol belongs to the alpha and beta blocker family of medicines.
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Get A Second OpinionHow to use Carvedilol
- Before starting carvedilol, read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any concerns, consult your physician or pharmacist.
- Following your doctor's instructions, take this medication orally with food, generally twice daily.
- The amount you take will depend on your medical condition and how you respond to treatment. To reduce side effects, your doctor might start with a modest dosage and increase it gradually.
- To maximize the benefits, take carvedilol daily at the same time each day to help you remember.
- It may take 1 to 2 weeks to experience the full benefits of carvedilol for treating high blood pressure. Continue taking it even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms.
- Let your physician know if anything goes wrong or if your condition gets worse. For example, if your blood pressure rises or stays high, or if you have increasing shortness of breath or other heart failure symptoms.
Carvedilol Side Effects
- Inform your doctor promptly if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms such as dizziness , lightheadedness, drowsiness, diarrhea, impotence, or fatigue.
- To minimise the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, especially within 1 hour after taking your dose. Taking carvedilol with food and starting at a low dose can also help reduce this risk.
- Carvedilol may cause cold sensations in the hands and feet, worsened by smoking. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use to alleviate this effect.
- Know that your doctor has recommended this medication because they have judged that the advantages outweigh the possibility of negative side effects.
- Many individuals taking carvedilol do not experience significant side effects over the long term.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as very slow heartbeat, extreme dizziness, fainting, fatigue, symptoms of kidney problems, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, blue fingers/toes, quick bruising/bleeding, changes in mood/mental status, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles/feet, abnormal fatigue, or sudden/ unexplained weight gain .
- While rare, severe allergic reactions to carvedilol may occur. If you have any of the following symptoms of a major allergic reaction: rash, intense dizziness, difficulty breathing, itching or swelling (particularly in the face, tongue, or throat). Seek immediate medical assistance.
Precautions while taking Carvedilol
- Inform your doctor about any allergies to carvedilol or other substances before taking carvedilol, as inactive ingredients in the medication may cause allergic reactions.
- Discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have certain heart rhythm problems, breathing problems, heart failure, liver or kidney disease, circulation problems, severe allergies, overactive thyroid, pheochromocytoma, myasthenia gravis, or other heart conditions.
- Carvedilol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting, particularly within 1 hour of your dose or when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities during this time and limit alcohol and marijuana use, as they may increase these effects.
- This drug might conceal signs of low blood sugar in individuals with diabetes, making blood sugar control more challenging. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels and let your doctor know if you notice any elevated symptoms.
- Carvedilol may cause dry eyes in individuals who wear contact lenses.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about your use of carvedilol before undergoing surgery, including cataract or glaucoma eye surgery.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of carvedilol, especially dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Carvedilol is not approved for use during pregnancy due to potential risks to the unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more information.
- It is uncertain whether carvedilol passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to have adverse effects on a breastfeeding baby in significant quantities. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Inform your pharmacist of all medications you use, especially Fingolimod, as some products may interact with this drug and exacerbate heart rate or blood pressure issues, or worsen heart failure. Seek guidance on safe and proper use, particularly for cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen.
Overdose of Carvedilol
In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services. Overdosing on this medication can result in serious side effects, including fainting or difficulty breathing, and should be avoided.
H3: Missed Dose If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take two doses to compensate for a missed one. H3: Storage Store it away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.Carvedilol Vs Misoprostol
| Carvedilol | Misoprostol |
|---|---|
| Formula: C24H26N2O4 | Formula: C22H38O5 |
| Brand name Coreg | Brand name Cytotec |
| Molar mass: 406.474 g/mol | Molar mass: 382.5 g/mol |
| Carvedilol is used for treating high blood pressure and heart failures. | Is a medicine used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers, start work, cause abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. |
Citations
Carvedilol for Children and Adolescents With Heart Failure, ID:10.1001/jama.298.10.1171 Carvedilol, ID:10.1056/nejm199812103392407Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Carvedilol may cause blood pressure to be dangerously low, which can cause you to lose consciousness. This risk is greatest after the first dose and rises during dosing. Carvedilol should be taken with food to reduce the likelihood of this occurring.
The extended-release capsule is normally taken with food once a day in the morning. Try to take Carvedilol every day at about the same time(s). Carefully follow all the instructions on the prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify any aspect that you do not understand or you have any doubts about.
No, carvedilol is not an antidepressant.
Carvedilol is a water pill or diuretic that is used to regulate high blood pressure (hypertension). Carvedilol is prescribed for treatment in addition to treating high blood pressure: Carvedilol can be used to control mild or severe congestive heart failure in combination with other medicines.
The typical dosing interval for carvedilol is every 12 hours, as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Adhering to this dosing schedule helps maintain stable blood levels of the medication and maximizes its effectiveness in managing conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure.
Taking too much carvedilol can lead to severe side effects such as dangerously low blood pressure and slow heart rate, which can be life-threatening. Overdosing may also cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, and even cardiac arrest.
Carvedilol has been associated with rare cases of liver injury, including elevated liver enzymes. However, severe liver damage from carvedilol is uncommon and usually reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. Regular monitoring of liver function may be recommended for individuals taking carvedilol, especially those with pre-existing liver conditions.
