CARVEDILOL – ORAL (car-VEDD-ih-lol)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Coreg
USES: This medication is used to treat congestive heart failure or high blood pressure (hypertension).
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Exactly as directed by mouth, usually twice a day with food. Do not interrupt or discontinue treatment without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. When used for high blood pressure, the full effect is usually seen in 1 to 2 weeks. If told to stop this medication, it should be discontinued over a 1 to 2 week period.
SIDE EFFECTS: Loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue/drowsiness, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, muscle/joint aches might occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly any: rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, ankle or foot swelling. Unlikely but report promptly: unusual bleeding or bruising, very slow heartbeat, large change in amount of urine, any vision changes. Very unlikely but report promptly: yellowing skin or eyes, fainting, cold hands or feet, chest pain, mood/mental problems (including sleep disturbances), decreased sex drive (male), irregular heartbeat, persistent sore throat. Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while taking this medication, however unlikely. Symptoms include:
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including:
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may take, especially:
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed heart rate, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty breathing.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.