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Carvedilol |
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What is Carvedilol and why is it prescribed? Carvedilol lowers blood pressure and increases the output of the heart. It is prescribed for people with congestive heart failure to increase survival and reduce the need for hospitalization. It is also used to control high blood pressure. It is often used with other drugs. In some people, Carvedilol causes a drop in blood pressure when they first stand up, resulting in dizziness or even fainting. If this happens, sit or lie down and notify your doctor. Taking the drug with food reduces the chance of this problem. Even so, during the first month of therapy, or after a change in your dose, be careful about driving and operation of dangerous machinery. How should you take Carvedilol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Carvedilol. Take Carvedilol twice a day with food. If you are taking the drug for high blood pressure, there should be improvement within 7 to 14 days. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Carvedilol should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Are there any Carvedilol side effects? Carvedilol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Carvedilol side effects may include back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, fever, headache, increased blood sugar levels, joint pain, low blood pressure, muscle aches, nausea, pain, respiratory infection, sinus problems, slow heartbeat, sore throat, swelling, urinary infection, vision changes, vomiting, weakness, and weight gain. Less common Carvedilol side effects may include allergy, blood in urine, dark stools, feeling of illness, gum disease, high blood pressure, impotence, increased sweating, infection, kidney problems, lack of sensitivity to touch, palpitation, reddish or purplish spots, shortness of breath, sleepiness, tingling or numbness, trouble sleeping, vertigo, and weight loss. Rare Carvedilol side effects may include abnormal thinking, anemia, asthma, changeable emotions, convulsions, decreased sex drive in males, digestive bleeding, dry mouth, hair loss, hearing problems, heart problems, impaired concentration, increased urination, itching, memory loss, migraine, nervousness, paralysis, rapid heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, sensitivity to light, skin flaking, slow movement, wheezing, and worsening of depression. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Carvedilol? If Carvedilol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Carvedilol with Calcium channel blockers (blood pressure and heart medications such as Calan, Cardizem, Isoptin, and Verelan), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Clonidine (Catapres), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Diabetes pills (such as Diabinese, Glucophage, and Rezulin), Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors (including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Insulin, Paroxetine (Paxil), Propafenone (Rythmol), Quinidine (Quinaglute), Reserpine (Ser-Ap-Es), or Rifampin (Rifadin). Are there any special warnings about Carvedilol? Carvedilol sometimes aggravates chronic bronchitis and emphysema. If you have either condition, make sure the doctor is aware of it. You'll need to use the drug cautiously. Report any weight gain or shortness of breath to your doctor immediately. Liver damage is a rare side effect of Carvedilol. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop these signs of liver disorder: appetite loss, dark urine, flu-like symptoms, itching, pain in your side, or yellowing of the skin. You will need to be switched from Carvedilol. Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes or low blood sugar. Carvedilol can interfere with the effectiveness of diabetes drugs and can cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar regularly, and report any changes to your doctor. A few people starting Carvedilol therapy for heart failure suffer dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting within an hour after taking each dose. The problem is most likely to occur during the first 30 days of treatment, and especially after a dosage increase. If Carvedilol has this effect on you, avoid driving or hazardous tasks for the hour following each dose. When Carvedilol is taken for heart failure, there is also a slight chance that it will interfere with the kidneys. If this reaction seems likely, the doctor will monitor your kidney function and, if necessary, change your dosage, or take you off Carvedilol. Your heart failure may continue to get worse during the first 3 months of treatment, possibly requiring a temporary reduction in the dose of Carvedilol. After that, Carvedilol's benefits should begin to appear. If you have circulation problems in the arms and legs, Carvedilol may aggravate your symptoms. Use it with care and report any changes to your doctor. Under no circumstances should you abruptly stop taking this drug on your own. Your symptoms could return with a vengeance. If you have an overactive thyroid, those symptoms could be aggravated as well. The doctor will taper you off the drug gradually, if need be. Notify the doctor if you miss even a few doses of Carvedilol. If you wear contact lenses, you should know that Carvedilol can dry your eyes. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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