What is Carvedilol ?
Carvedilol, marketed among others under the brand name Coreg, is a drug used in people who are otherwise healthy to treat elevated blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and left ventricular dysfunction. It is usually a second-line therapy for high blood pressure. It is swallowed by mouth.
Carvedilol Uses
Carvedilol is used for treating high blood pressure and heart failures. After a heart attack, it is often used to increase the likelihood of survival if the heart is not pumping properly. It is used for lowering high blood pressure and it helps in avoiding kidney complications, strokes, and heart attacks.
This medication works by blocking the function of the heart and blood vessels of certain natural substances in your body, such as epinephrine. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and heart strain are reduced by this effect. Carvedilol belongs to a family of medicines known as blockers of alpha and beta.
How to use
- If available from your pharmacist, read the patient information leaflet before you begin taking carvedilol and each time you receive a refill. Ask your physician or pharmacist if you have any concerns/doubts.
- Take this drug by mouth with food, normally twice a day, as instructed by your doctor.
- The dose will be dependent on your medical condition and treatment response. Your doctor can direct you to start this medication at a low dose and to gradually increase your dose in order to reduce your risk of side effects. Carefully follow the directions from your doctor.
- To get the greatest benefit from it, take this drug daily. Taking it at the same time of day, to help you remember.
- It can take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. Even if you feel well, carry on taking this drug. The majority of persons with elevated blood pressure do not feel ill.
- If your condition does not change, or if it worsens, tell your doctor (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase, or you have worsening symptoms of heart failure like increased shortness of breath).
Carvedilol Side Effects
- There may be dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, diarrhea, impotence, or weariness. Tell your physician or pharmacist immediately if any of these symptoms are not going or gets worsening.
- Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to reduce the possibility of dizziness and lightheadedness. Within 1 hour after taking your dose, the risk of dizziness is greatest. It helps to reduce the risk of dizziness by taking this drug with food and beginning treatment at a low dose and slowly increasing the dose as directed by your doctor.
- This medication can decrease the flow of blood to your hands and feet, making them feel cold. This impact will exacerbate smoking. Dress warmly and stop the use of tobacco.
- Know that this drug has been prescribed by your doctor because he or she has decided that the value which you will get is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no such significant side effects for many people who are taking this drug for long.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including very slow heartbeat, extreme dizziness, fainting, irregular fatigue, symptoms of kidney problems (such as changes in urine), numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, blue fingers/toes, quick bruising/bleeding, changes in mood/mentality (such as confusion, frustration)
- Although this drug may be used to treat heart failure, new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, particularly at the beginning of treatment with carvedilol, may rarely develop in some people. If you experience any of these severe side effects, notify your doctor immediately: shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, abnormal tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain.
- It is very unusual to experience a very severe/dangerous allergic reaction to this drug. However, if you are experiencing any signs of a serious allergic reaction, including rashes, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing, get medical assistance immediately.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have any other allergies before taking carvedilol. There may be some inactive ingredients in this substance that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history before taking this drug, especially: some forms of pulse/heart rhythm problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome, atrioventricular second or third-degree block), breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), serious hospital-requiring heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease, peripheral artery disease), extreme allergic reactions, including those requiring epinephrine therapy, overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), some tumor forms (pheochromocytoma), other heart problems (myasthenia gravis).
- This medication can make you drowsy or dizzy or cause you to faint. This is most likely to occur within 1 hour of your dose, particularly if you start treatment with carvedilol or if your doctor raises your dose at any time. Avoid driving and doing dangerous activities during these hours. Do not do the driving, use machinery/tools, or do something that involves caution before you can do it safely. You might become more dizzy or drowsy with the intake of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). To restrict alcoholic drinks. If you use marijuana, talk to your doctor (cannabis).
- This product can cause a fast/pounding heartbeat you would normally feel when your blood sugar falls too low if you have diabetes (hypoglycemia). This medication is unaffected by other signs/symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating. Your blood sugar may also be difficult to regulate with this drug. As instructed, regularly check/monitor your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor. If you have signs of increased blood sugar, such as increased thirst/urination, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to change/adjust the drug, exercise regimen, or diet for your diabetes.
- When taking this drug, people who wear contact lenses can have dry eyes.
- Tell your doctor or dentist whether you are taking or have ever taken this drug and about all the other drugs you use before getting surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery).
- Older adults, especially dizziness and lightheadedness, may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication.
- During pregnancy, this drug is not approved for use. An unborn baby could be affected. For more info, contact your doctor.
- Whether carvedilol passes into breast milk is uncertain. Insignificant quantities, however, it is unlikely to transfer into breast milk. The likelihood that it will have adverse effects on a breastfeeding baby is minimal. Before breastfeeding, consult the doctor.
Interactions
Fingolimod is one product that may interfere with this drug. Some goods have components that can increase your heart rate or blood pressure or make your heart failure worse. Tell your pharmacist what medications you use and ask your pharmacist how to use them safely and correctly (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
Overdose
If you have consumed too much of this drug seek medical help or call the emergency number. Overdosing is not good for health it can lead to serious side effects such as passing out or difficulty in breathing.
Missed Dose
When you forget to take any doses, take the dose immediately when you recall. Do not take two doses to match the forgotten dose.
Storage
Store it away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.
Carvedilol Vs Misoprostol
Carvedilol |
Misoprostol |
|---|---|
| Formula: C24H26N2O4 | Formula: C22H38O5 |
| Brand name Coreg | Brand name Cytotec |
| Molar mass: 406.474 g/mol | Molar mass: 382.5 g/mol |
| Carvedilol is used for treating high blood pressure and heart failures. | Is a medicine used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers, start work, cause abortion, and treat postpartum bleeding due to poor contraction of the uterus. |
