Carvedilol is a generic name of Coreg
brand medication. It is also marketed under trand names Dilatrend and
Eucardic.
Carvedilol is in a group of drugs
called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers
affect the heart and blood circulation.
Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood
pressure). It is also used to treat or prevent heart attack.
Carvedilol blocks receptors of the adrenergic nervous system, the
system of nerves in which epinephrine (adrenalin) is active. Nerves
from the adrenergic system enter the heart and release an adrenergic
chemical (norepinephrine) that attaches to receptors on the heart's
muscle and stimulates the muscle to beat more rapidly and forcefully.
By blocking the receptors, carvedilol reduces the heart's rate and
force of contraction and thereby reduces the work of the heart.
Carvedilol also blocks adrenergic receptors on arteries and causes the
arteries to relax and the blood pressure to fall. The drop in blood
pressure further reduces the work of the heart since it is easier to
pump blood against a lower pressure.
Relative to other beta-blockers, carvedilol is reported to have minimal
inverse agonist activity. This suggests that carvedilol has a reduced
negative chronotropic and inotropic effect compared to other beta
blockers, which may decrease its potential to worsen symptoms of heart
failure. However, to date this theoretical benefit has not been
established in clinical trials, and the current version of the ACC/AHA
guidelines on congestive heart failure management does not give
preference to carvedilol over other beta-blockers.
Carvedilol is used by itself or with a diuretic ("water-pill") to
control high blood pressure. Carvedilol also may be used in combination
with other drugs to manage mild or moderate congestive heart
failure. When combined with other treatments for heart
disease among patients with recent heart attacks, carvedilol can reduce
the risk of a second heart attack by 40% and increase survival among
patients with congestive heart failure.
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.
Carvedilol is supplied in tablet form and is
available in four dosage
strengths: 3.125 mg, 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg and 25 mg.
Before taking carvedilol, tell your doctor if you have:
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
diabetes;
low blood pressure;
a heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus
syndrome, slow heart
rate, or congestive heart failure;
depression;
liver or kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
myasthenia gravis;
pheochromocytoma; or
problems with circulation (such as Raynaud's
syndrome).
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
carvedilol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during
treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
during treatment. It is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast
milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication
without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Take carvedilol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the
medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your
doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water. 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. Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release
capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release
medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause
too much of the drug to be released at one time.
The most common side effects of carvedilol are dizziness, edema (fluid
accumulation), decreased heart rate, diarrhea and postural hypotension
(a rapid decrease in blood pressure when going from the seated to the
standing position that causes light-headedness and/or fainting). Taking
carvedilol with food minimizes the risk of postural hypotension.
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