Coreg CR

Carvedilol CR Drug Information

• Coreg CR Overview

  Carvedilol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival if your heart is not pumping well. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Coreg CR works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers your heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on your heart. Carvedilol belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha and beta blockers.

• Coreg CR Warnings

  Do not stop taking Coreg CR without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop Coreg CR. Some people who have suddenly stopped taking similar drugs have had chest pain, heart attack, and irregular heartbeat. If your doctor decides you should no longer use Coreg CR, he or she may direct you to gradually decrease your dose over 1 to 2 weeks. When gradually stopping Coreg CR, it is recommended that you temporarily limit physical activity to decrease strain on the heart. Get medical help right away if you develop chest pain/tightness/pressure, chest pain spreading to the jaw/neck/arm, unusual sweating, trouble breathing, or fast/irregular heartbeat.

• How to Use Coreg CR

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking carvedilol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Coreg CR by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew the capsule. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the beads over cool, smooth applesauce. Do not chew the mixture because doing so may cause the drug to be released too quickly, increasing side effects. Swallow all of the mixture right away. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time for later use. The Dosage of Coreg CR is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start Coreg CR at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take Coreg CR regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of Coreg CR. It is important to continue taking Coreg CR even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, or you have worsening symptoms of heart failure like increased shortness of breath).

• Coreg CR Precautions

  Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Coreg CR may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Coreg CR, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,certain types of heartbeat/heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), severe heart failure requiring hospitalization, liver disease, kidney disease, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), serious allergic reactions including those needing treatment with epinephrine, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), a certain type of tumor (pheochromocytoma), other heart problems (such as Prinzmetal's variant angina), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma). Coreg CR may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause you to faint. This is most likely to occur within 1 hour after taking your dose, especially when you start carvedilol treatment or any time your doctor increases your dose. During these periods, avoid driving and doing hazardous tasks. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). If you have diabetes, Coreg CR may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by Coreg CR. Coreg CR may also make it harder to control your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. People who wear contact lenses may have dry eyes while taking Coreg CR. Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken Coreg CR, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Coreg CR, especially dizziness and lightheadedness. Coreg CR is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. It is unknown if carvedilol passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to pass into breast milk in large amounts. There is a low risk that it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Coreg CR Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Coreg CR, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Coreg CR Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.fingolimod. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

• Coreg CR Side Effects

  What are Coreg CR side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Coreg CR may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Coreg CR as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Coreg CR

  The side effects of Coreg CR may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Coreg CR. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Coreg CR may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Coreg CR, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Coreg CR.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Coreg CR, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Coreg CR and the side effects associated with Coreg CR are described in the following:

  Common Coreg CR Side Effects

  Severe

  • bradycardia
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • hypotension
  • dizziness
  • edema
  • peripheral edema
  • weight gain
  • dyspnea
  • chest pain
  • hyperglycemia

  Less Severe

  • back pain
  • fatigue
  • paresthesia
  • diarrhea

  Less Frequent Coreg CR Side Effects

  Severe

  • anemia
  • purpura
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • depression
  • atrioventricular block
  • pulmonary edema
  • disease of liver
  • bloody stools
  • hematuria
  • pruritus of skin
  • syncope
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • jaundice
  • anorexia
  • palpitations
  • urine discoloration

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • pharyngitis
  • rhinitis
  • erectile dysfunction
  • arthralgias
  • myalgias
  • cramps
  • drowsy
  • vertigo
  • insomnia
  • general weakness
  • malaise
  • hyperhidrosis
  • hypesthesia
  • headache disorder
  • cough
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • proteinuria

  Rare or Very Rare Coreg CR Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypovolemia
  • aplastic anemia
  • interstitial pneumonitis
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • angina
  • angioedema
  • anaphylaxis
  • urticaria
  • worsening of chronic heart failure
  • erythema multiforme

  Less Severe

  • hypercholesterolemia
  • hypertension
  • urinary incontinence
  • hyperuricemia

• Coreg CR Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Coreg CR when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.