Carvedilol

💊 What is Carvedilol used for?

• •Mild to severe chronic heart failure of ischemic or cardiomyopathic origin, usually used together with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and digitalis
• •Reducing cardiovascular death in clinically stable people who have survived the acute phase of a heart attack and have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less
• •High blood pressure (essential hypertension), alone or with other blood pressure medicines

How it works

The label describes carvedilol as a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocking agent with alpha-1 blocking activity. It works by blocking certain receptors in the body, which affects heart rate and blood pressure.

How it is usually taken

• •Take with food. The label says food slows how fast the medicine is absorbed and can reduce dizziness when standing up.
• •Take it every day as directed by your doctor. The label says to take it exactly as prescribed.
• •Your doctor may start with a low dose and increase it slowly to reduce side effects.
• •Do not stop taking it or change the amount without talking to your doctor. If your doctor decides you should stop, the label says the dose may be lowered slowly over time.
• •Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist for how many tablets to take and how often.

Comes as

• •Tablets: 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, and 25 mg
• •The tablets are white to off-white, round, and film-coated. Each strength has its own imprint code.

⚠️ Carvedilol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Carvedilol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have severe heart failure and are in the intensive care unit or need certain intravenous medicines that support circulation (inotropic medications).
• 🚨You are prone to asthma or other breathing problems.
• 🚨You have a slow heartbeat or an irregular heartbeat (heart that skips a beat).
• 🚨You have liver problems. The label lists severe hepatic impairment as a reason not to use it.
• 🚨You are allergic to any ingredient in carvedilol tablets.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor if you have asthma or other lung problems, such as bronchitis or emphysema.
• •Tell your doctor if you have blood flow problems in your feet and legs (peripheral vascular disease). The label says carvedilol can make these symptoms worse.
• •Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, or pheochromocytoma.
• •Tell your doctor if you have had severe allergic reactions.
• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• •Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery with anesthetic agents, or cataract surgery.
• •Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
• •Contact lens wearers may experience decreased tear production (lacrimation), according to the label.
• •Children under 18 years old: the label says carvedilol is not approved for use in this age group.

🔀 Carvedilol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and propafenone, may increase carvedilol levels. The label says these combinations have not been studied.
• •Rifampin may decrease carvedilol levels.
• •Blood pressure medicines such as reserpine, MAO inhibitors, and clonidine may increase the risk of low blood pressure or severe slow heart rate. The label says clonidine should be stopped in a specific order if it is being ended.
• •Digitalis (digoxin) and beta-blockers together can slow heart conduction and heart rate.
• •Cyclosporine levels may increase.
• •Amiodarone may increase carvedilol levels, which may further slow the heart rate or heart conduction.
• •Verapamil-type or diltiazem-type calcium channel blockers may affect the ECG or blood pressure.
• •Insulin and oral diabetes medicines (hypoglycemics) may have their effect increased.

Alcohol and food

The label says to take carvedilol with food. The label text provided does not include guidance about alcohol.

🤰 Carvedilol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there is not enough data to know whether carvedilol causes developmental problems in pregnancy. It also says poorly controlled high blood pressure in pregnancy carries risks for both mother and baby. The label notes that beta-blockers used in the third trimester may increase the risk of low blood pressure, slow heart rate, low blood sugar, and breathing problems in the newborn. Talk with your doctor about the best way to control blood pressure during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast milk. It says there are no human data on this. The label advises that the benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed along with the mother's need for carvedilol and possible effects on the infant. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), as the label states. Protect from moisture. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, take the next dose at the usual time. The label says not to take two doses at the same time.

If too much is taken

The label warns that overdose may cause severe low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest. It may also cause breathing problems, bronchospasm, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and seizures. The label says if you take too much, call your doctor or poison control center right away. Hospital staff would treat these symptoms under intensive-care conditions.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Carvedilol

• How should I take carvedilol with food each day?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy or faint when I stand up?
• Is it safe for me to stop carvedilol if I feel better?
• How will you monitor my heart rate and blood pressure while I take this medicine?
• Could carvedilol affect my blood sugar, given my diabetes or insulin use?
• Are any of my other medicines or supplements likely to interact with carvedilol?

❓ Carvedilol: frequently asked questions