Carvedilol

Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Carvedilol 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.

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 severe heart failure, heart block, "sick sinus syndrome," or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);
• slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint;
• fluid retention;
• asthma or other lung problems;
• angina (chest pain);
• diabetes (taking carvedilol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
• a thyroid disorder;
• kidney disease;
• circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome); or
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Carvedilol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Carvedilol works best if you take it with food, at the same time every day.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of cold applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

If you are switched from carvedilol tablets to carvedilol extended-release capsules (Coreg CR), your daily total dose of this medicine may be higher or lower than before. Older adults may be more likely to become dizzy or feel faint when switching from tablets to extended-release capsules. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

If you need surgery (including cataract surgery), tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.

You should not stop using carvedilol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause chest pain or a heart attack. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication 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.

Carvedilol is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, shortness of breath, bluish-colored fingernails, dizziness, weakness, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• slow or uneven heartbeats;
• cold feeling or numbness in your fingers or toes;
• chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness;
• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• slow heartbeats;
• diarrhea;
• weight gain;
• dry eyes; or
• problems wearing contact lenses.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect carvedilol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about carvedilol.