Coreg CR

Generic name: Carvedilol
Drug class: Non-cardioselective beta blockers

Usage of Coreg CR

Coreg CR is a beta-blocker that is used to treat heart failure and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Coreg CR is also used after a heart attack that has caused your heart not to pump as well.

Coreg CR may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Coreg CR side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Coreg CR may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

slow or uneven heartbeats;

cold feeling or numbness in your fingers or toes;

chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness;

heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects of Coreg CR may include:

dizziness;

slow heartbeats;

diarrhea;

weight gain;

dry eyes; or

problems wearing contact lenses.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Coreg CR

You should not take Coreg CR if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

asthma, bronchitis, emphysema;

severe liver disease; or

a serious heart condition such as severe heart failure, heart block, "sick sinus syndrome," or slow heart rate (unless you have a pacemaker).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

coronary artery disease (clogged arteries);

slow heartbeats that have caused you to faint;

fluid retention;

asthma or other lung problems;

angina (chest pain);

diabetes (taking Coreg CR can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar);

a thyroid disorder;

kidney disease;

circulation problems (such as Raynaud's syndrome); or

pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Coreg CR is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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How to use Coreg CR

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Coreg CR works best if you take it with food, at the same time every day.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of cold applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

If you are switched from Coreg CR tablets to this medicine extended-release capsules (Coreg CR), your daily total dose of Coreg CR may be higher or lower than before. Older adults may be more likely to become dizzy or feel faint when switching from tablets to extended-release capsules. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

If you need surgery (including cataract surgery), tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.

You should not stop using Coreg CR suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause chest pain or a heart attack. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

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.

Coreg CR is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

You should not take Coreg CR 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).

What other drugs will affect Coreg CR

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may affect Coreg CR, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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