Health Library

Carvedilol (By mouth)

Carvedilol (kar-VE-dil-ol)

Treats high blood pressure and heart failure. Also reduces the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is a beta-blocker.

Brand Name(s):

Coreg, Coreg CR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Extended-release capsule:
  • Take the capsule in the morning with food.
  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it.
  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the applesauce right away.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how carvedilol works. Tell your doctor if you are using amiodarone, clonidine, diltiazem, cyclosporine, digoxin, fluconazole, reserpine, rifampin, verapamil, an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), or diabetes medicine (including insulin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, diabetes, edema (fluid retention or swelling), low blood pressure, lung problems, an overactive thyroid, pheochromocytoma, or a history of allergies. Tell your doctor if you are fasting (including surgery, not eating regularly, vomiting).
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Changes to your blood sugar level
  • Fewer tears than usual in contact lens wearers
  • An eye problem called Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome during cataract surgery
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
• Leg pain when you walk, legs and feet that feel cold or numb
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion
• Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Trouble having sex
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024