Coreg

Coreg

     * Generic Name: carvedilol
     * Brand Name: Coreg


     * What is carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * What are the possible side effects of carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg
       CR)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * How should I take carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * What should I avoid while taking carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * What other drugs will affect carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?
     * Where can I get more information (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

What is carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Carvedilol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and
   circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).

   Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension
   (high blood pressure). It 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.

What are the possible side effects of carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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 serious side effect such as:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * slow or uneven heartbeats;
     * swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath (even with
       mild exertion);
     * cold feeling or numbness in your fingers or toes;
     * chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble
       breathing; or
     * high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination,
       hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin,
       blurred vision, weight loss).

   Common side effects may include:
     * weakness, dizziness;
     * diarrhea;
     * dry eyes;
     * tired feeling; or
     * weight gain.

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about carvedilol (Coreg,
Coreg CR)?

   You should not take carvedilol if you have asthma, bronchitis,
   emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition
   such as heart block, "sick sinus syndrome," or slow heart rate
   (unless you have a pacemaker).

   Coreg Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carvedilol
(Coreg, Coreg CR)?

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

   To make sure carvedilol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * diabetes (taking carvedilol can make it harder for you to tell
       when you have low blood sugar);
     * angina (chest pain);
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * a thyroid disorder;
     * pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
     * circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome); or
     * a history of allergies.

   FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carvedilol will harm
   an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant while using this medication.

   It is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are
   taking carvedilol.

How should I take carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Carvedilol works best if you take it with food.

   You may open the carvedilol capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a
   spoonful of pudding or applesauce to make swallowing easier. Swallow
   right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
   Discard the empty capsule.

   Take carvedilol at the same time every day. Do not skip doses or stop
   taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping
   suddenly may make your condition worse.

   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 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.

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using carvedilol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short
   time.

   You should not stop using carvedilol suddenly. Stopping suddenly may
   make your condition worse.

   Carvedilol can affect your pupils during cataract surgery. Tell
   your eye surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication. Do
   not stop using carvedilol before surgery unless your surgeon tells you
   to.

   Carvedilol is only part of a complete program of treatment for
   hypertension that may also include diet, exercise, and weight
   control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very
   closely if you are being treated for hypertension.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Coreg Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   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).

What should I avoid while taking carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Carvedilol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

   Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase
   certain side effects of carvedilol. You should especially avoid
   drinking alcohol within 2 hours before or after taking extended-release
   carvedilol (Coreg CR).

   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

What other drugs will affect carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Other drugs may interact with carvedilol, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Coreg, Coreg CR)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about carvedilol.
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