How to Use

 

To ensure the safe use of Carvedilol, let your doctor know if you suffer from any of these conditions:

  • Emphysema, asthma or bronchitis
  • Severe liver disease
  • Serious heart conditions such as slow heart rate or heart block
  • Angina
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Circulation problems
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Diabetes
  • History of allergies

 

Always take Carvedilol as prescribed. Follow the doctor’s instructions keenly. Your dose may be changed from time to time to achieve the best results. Don’t take the medicine in smaller or larger doses than recommended.

 

Although it can be taken on an empty stomach, Carvedilol works best when taken with food. Swallow the capsule whole without chewing. Alternatively, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the content on spoonful of applesauce or pudding then swallow without chewing.

 

Older patients are more likely to feel dizzy or faint. This is common when switching from Carvedilol tablets to the Carvedilol extended-release capsule. Seek advice from your doctor.

 

To avoid complications, let your surgeon know in good time that you are on Carvedilol before surgery. Carvedilol can also affect the size of pupils during cataract surgery. Do not stop using this medicine abruptly as that may worsen your condition.

 

FDA Pregnancy Classification

 

Category C

It is unknown if Carvedilol can cause harm to an unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. You should also let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding a baby. It is unclear if Carvedilol can be passed into breast milk.

 

Missed Dose

 

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember but only if it is not almost time for the next scheduled dose. Take the dose at the same time each day to avoid forgetting or improper dosing.

 

Storage

 

Store at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

 

Side Effects

 

Serious

  • Feeling like you might pass-out
  • Rapid weight gain, swelling or shortness of breath
  • Cold feeling or numbness in the fingers or toes
  • Chest pain, wheezing, dry cough, trouble breathing, chest tightness
  • High blood sugar

Common

  • Diarrhea
  • Tired feeling
  • Weight gain
  • Dry eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness

 

Safety

 

To avoid complications, you should not take Carvedilol if you suffer from bronchitis, asthma, severe liver disease, serious heart conditions or emphysema. You should also avoid taking alcoholic drinks within two hours of taking this medicine. Alcohol may cause the Carvedilol to be released too quickly into the body leading to complications.

 

Do not stop using Carvedilol if you are being treated for hypertension. Continue using the drug even after the symptoms improve. You may be required to continue using the hypertension medications for the rest of your life.

 

Interactions

 

Carvedilol has interactions with 903 drugs.