Coreg CR

The active ingredient in Coreg CR is carvedilol phosphate. Its mechanism of action is as an alpha and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist (alpha-blocker and beta-blocker). It works by relaxing blood vessel walls, lowering blood pressure, and reducing heart rate.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Coreg CR. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Coreg CR:

• This medication should always be taken with food to slow its absorption and reduce the side effects of low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).
• The extended-release capsules can be opened and sprinkled into applesauce if you have trouble swallowing. They should otherwise not be crushed or chewed.
• Those with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels more regularly, as this medication can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery, in case you experience dizziness.

The most common side effects of Coreg CR include:

• Slow heartbeat (bradycardia).
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or orthostatic hypotension.
• Swelling in the legs (peripheral edema).
• Insomnia.
• Diarrhea.
• Increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Coreg CR. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reaction presenting with swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Worsening heart failure (heart failure exacerbation) symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain (angina), rapid weight gain, fatigue, and fluid retention (swelling in the legs).
• Acute bronchospasm, which would feel like chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Coreg CR. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Coreg CR, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions.
• Heart block.
• Sick sinus syndrome.
• Severe bradycardia or low resting heart rate (unless you have a permanent pacemaker).
• Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure.
• Severe liver disease.
• History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to any component of this medication or other medications containing carvedilol.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism.
• Pheochromocytoma.
• Prinzmetal’s variant angina.
• Coronary artery disease.
• An upcoming surgery, including cataract surgery, puts you at a higher risk of Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome when you take carvedilol.

• Low resting heart rate (bradycardia).
• Asthma or bronchospasm from chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
• Second- or third-degree AV block.
• Sick sinus syndrome.
• Cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure.
• Severe hepatic impairment.

The effects of carvedilol begin after your first dose, but it may take a few weeks before you notice a lower blood pressure.

When Coreg CR is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• CYP2D6 inhibitors, including quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and propafenone, may increase the side effects of carvedilol when used together.
• Hypotensive medications such as clonidine can increase the risk of hypotension and bradycardia when used with carvedilol.
• Cyclosporine and digoxin levels may increase when carvedilol is taken at the same time.
• Rifampin may reduce levels of carvedilol in the blood.
• Cimetidine may increase levels of carvedilol in the blood.
• CYP2C9 inhibitors such as amiodarone or fluconazole may increase levels of carvedilol and increase the side effects of bradycardia and hypotension.
• Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem or verapamil may lead to heart conduction problems when used with carvedilol.
• Carvedilol may increase the blood sugar reduction of insulin or other medications used for diabetes.

It is available in two dosage forms:

• Extended-release capsules (Coreg CR), are taken once daily in doses of 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg.
• Immediate-release carvedilol is also available, in doses of 3.125mg, 6.25mg, 12.5mg, and 25mg taken twice daily.

It should be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Waylis Therapeutics.

Yes, there is a generic version.

Coreg CR should not be stopped suddenly, due to the risk of severe angina (chest pain), heart attacks, and arrhythmias. It needs to be tapered off slowly under the advice of a physician.

Studies show that exposure to beta-blockers during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse events in a newborn. For gestational hypertension, carvedilol is not the agent of choice, unless the parent also has heart failure, in which case it may be recommended. If the use of carvedilol is indicated, newborns should be monitored for bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown whether carvedilol is present in breast milk, but the use of other beta-blockers during lactation is preferred.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.