Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules
Generic name: Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules [ kar-VE-dil-ol ]
Brand name: Coreg CR
Drug class: Non-cardioselective beta blockers
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 20, 2023.
Uses of Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules:
- It is used to treat heart failure (weak heart).
- It is used to treat high blood pressure.
- It is used to help heart function after a heart attack.
- It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules?
- If you have an allergy to carvedilol or any other part of this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules); any part of this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Asthma, other lung or breathing problems that cause shortness of breath or wheezing, certain types of abnormal heartbeats called heart block or sick sinus syndrome, a slow heartbeat, or heart failure that is being treated with certain IV drugs.
- If you have liver disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine may hide the signs of low blood sugar. Talk with the doctor.
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
- Do not stop taking this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) all of a sudden. If you do, chest pain that is worse and in some cases heart attack may occur. The risk may be greater if you have certain types of heart disease. To avoid side effects, you will want to slowly stop this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have new or worse chest pain or if other heart problems occur.
- This medicine may make it harder to tell if you have signs of an overactive thyroid like fast heartbeat. If you have an overactive thyroid and stop taking this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) all of a sudden, it may get worse and could be life-threatening. Talk with your doctor.
- If you have had a very bad allergic reaction, talk with your doctor. You may have a chance of an even worse reaction if you come into contact with what caused your allergy. If you use epinephrine to treat very bad allergic reactions, talk with your doctor. Epinephrine may not work as well while you are taking this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules).
- If you are having cataract surgery or other eye procedure, talk with your doctor.
- If you wear contact lenses, you may have fewer tears or dry eyes. Call your doctor if this bothers you.
- If you are taking this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold drugs, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and some natural products or aids.
- This medicine is not approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules) best taken?
Use this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Keep taking this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
- Take this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) at the same time of day.
- Take this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) with food.
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- If you cannot swallow this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules) whole, you may sprinkle the contents on applesauce. If you do this, swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
- If mixing on applesauce, the applesauce should not be warm. Do not sprinkle on other liquids or foods.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- Chest pain that is new or worse.
- Slow heartbeat.
- Change in eyesight.
- Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, a big weight gain, a heartbeat that is not normal, or swelling in the arms or legs that is new or worse. Worsening of heart failure has happened with this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules).
Related/similar drugs
amlodipine, lisinopril, aspirin, losartan, metoprolol, furosemide, carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, atenolol
What are some other side effects of Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Weight gain.
- Joint pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Carvedilol Extended-Release Capsules?
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (carvedilol extended-release capsules), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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