Coreg

Generic name: Carvedilol

Carvedilol tablets

What are carvedilol tablets?

CARVEDILOL (Coreg.) belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers have many actions on the heart and blood vessels. Carvedilol is used for high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Carvedilol controls, but does not cure, these conditions. High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it can lead to serious health problems.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, bronchitis or bronchospasm
• circulation problems
• depression
• diabetes
• emphysema, or other lung disease
• history of heart attack or heart disease
• liver disease
• muscle weakness or disease
• psoriasis
• thyroid disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to carvedilol, other beta-blockers, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take carvedilol tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. It is best to take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be at least 12 hours between doses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C (59 degrees and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What drug(s) may interact with carvedilol?

• cimetidine
• digoxin
• diltiazem
• hawthorn
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, Zelapar.)
• rifampin
• verapamil
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking carvedilol?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking carvedilol. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your heart rate and blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her.

Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you have difficulty breathing while taking this drug.

Check your weight daily. Ask your prescriber or health care professional when you should notify him/her of any weight gain.

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This could lead to serious heart-related effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how carvedilol affects you. Avoid driving or using machinery especially during initial dosing or after a dose increase of your medication. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly. Alcohol can make you more drowsy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcoholic drinks.

Carvedilol may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking carvedilol.

What side effects may I notice from taking carvedilol?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• continued loss of appetite
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• dark urine
• flu-like symptoms
• irregular heartbeat
• skin rash
• slow heart rate (fewer than recommended by your prescriber or health care professional)
• swollen legs or ankles
• vomiting
• weight gain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain
• diarrhea
• dry eyes (especially if wearing contact lenses)
• dry, itching skin
• headache
• insomnia
• nausea
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness