What is carvedilol?
Carvedilol is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins).
Carvedilol is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used after a heart attack that has caused your heart not to pump as well.
Carvedilol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about carvedilol?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, severe liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using carvedilol. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Do not stop taking carvedilol without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.
Avoid drinking alcohol within 2 hours before or after taking extended-release carvedilol (Coreg CR). Also avoid taking medicines or other products that might contain alcohol. Alcohol may cause the carvedilol in Coreg CR to be released too quickly into the body.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carvedilol?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to carvedilol, or if you have:
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;
severe liver disease; or
a serious heart condition such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).
To make sure you can safely take carvedilol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
diabetes (taking carvedilol can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);
angina (chest pain);
low blood pressure;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
a thyroid disorder;
pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome); or
a history of allergies.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carvedilol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether carvedilol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking carvedilol.