Indications
Coreg (active ingredient: carvedilol) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Coreg is used to manage high blood pressure to help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
- Heart Failure: It is indicated for the treatment of mild to severe chronic heart failure. Coreg helps to improve the heart's ability to pump blood and reduces symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Myocardial Infarction: Coreg is prescribed for patients who have experienced a heart attack and have left ventricular dysfunction (reduced heart function), with or without symptoms of heart failure.
Coreg belongs to the drug class known as beta-blockers. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of certain natural chemicals in the body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This action helps to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.
Uses and Dosage
Coreg (Carvedilol) is available in the form of a tablet that comes in four different strengths: 3.125mg, 6.25mg, 12.5mg and 25mg. Your dose and how often you take it will depend on why you need Coreg. Generally, the tablets are taken orally, twice daily with or without meals, as prescribed by your physician. Swallow the medication whole and drink a glass of fluid afterward. If you need to divide or crush the tablets, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist.
- For heart failure, the recommended starting dose of COREG is 3.125 mg twice daily, and this can be increased to 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg twice daily over intervals of at least two weeks.
- The recommended starting dose of COREG For left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction, the recommended starting dose is 6.25 mg twice daily, which can be increased to 12.5 mg and then 25 mg twice daily over intervals of 3 to 10 days.
- The recommended starting dose of COREG For hypertension, the starting dose is 6.25 mg twice daily, which can be increased to 12.5 mg and then 25 mg twice daily over intervals of 1 to 2 weeks.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Carvedilol:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Impotence
- Lightheadedness
- Low sex drive
- Nausea
- Tiredness
Serious Side Effects of Carvedilol
- Blue fingers or toes
- Changes in urine output
- Chest pain
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Fainting
- Feeling of numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Mental or mood changes
- Reduce blood flow to extremities
- Severe dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of the lower extremities
- Unusual weakness
- Very slow heart rate
Form and Strength
Coreg (Carvedilol) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Coreg: Scored Tablet
- 25 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 6.25 mg
Carvedilol: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 6.25 mg
- 3.125 mg
Caution
- Coreg (Carvedilol) may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting, especially within an hour after taking the dose. Therefore, avoid driving, using machinery, or doing any activities that require alertness until you feel that you can do it safely.
- Taking Coreg (Carvedilol) is strongly recommended to limit your alcohol intake, as alcohol can make the adverse effects of this medication worse. Drinking too much alcohol while taking Coreg (Carvedilol) can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting.
- Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking Coreg (Carvedilol) because it may pose a risk to unborn babies and breastfed children. Monitor the baby's growth and development while taking Coreg, as it can cause slow or delayed growth in the baby. It is permitted to breastfeed while taking Coreg if it is taken at the lowest effective dose. Consult your doctor before taking this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not take this medication if you have a known allergy to carvedilol or any inactive ingredients each tablet may contain. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, itching, or hives, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
- Before starting to take Coreg (Carvedilol), disclose your medical history to your physician, including heart rhythm problems, breathing problems, liver ideas, kidney problems, blood circulation problems, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma, myasthenia gravis, and eye conditions, like cataract and glaucoma.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many hours is carvedilol effective?
The plasma half-life of carvedilol ranges from 7 to 10 hours in most subjects; thus, the drug requires twice-daily dosing.
Can I take Coreg with other medications?
Yes, you can take Coreg with other medications, however, it is important to discuss all medications you take with your doctor to ensure they do not interact with each other.
How should I take Coreg (Carvedilol)?
Coreg (Carvedilol) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than instructed, and do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Is Coreg (Carvedilol) a controlled substance?
No, Coreg (Carvedilol) is not a controlled substance. It is available by prescription only.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/coreg-drug.htm#indications
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534868/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020297s038lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1634/coreg-oral/details
- https://nursing.unboundmedicine.com/nursingcentral/view/Davis-Drug-Guide/51134/all/carvedilol
REVIEWS