General Info: Uses and Effects

Coreg Generic (Carvedilol), which belongs to a class of drugs, known as the alpha and beta blockers, is a medication used in the treatment of mild/severe congestive heart failure (a condition in which the heart loses the ability to function optimally), high blood pressure, and left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).

This medicine works by blocking the action of certain natural substances (such as epinephrine) in your body, on the blood vessels, and on the heart. This, in turn, lowers your blood pressure, strains on your heart as well as your heart rate.

Carvedilol is the generic form of Coreg.

Contraindication: Important to Know

It is important to inform your doctor about your current health status, allergies to certain medications, as well as the products you currently use. These includes antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other heart medications, diet pills, cold drugs, other beta blockers, any kind of stimulants, recreational drugs, vitamins, herbal products, prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs.

• This drug should not be used in people with second- or third-degree AV block and sick sinus syndrome.
• Patients with peripheral vascular disease, Prinzmetal's variant angina, kidney disease, or cirrhosis are advised to use this medication cautiously. Elderly patients are also advised to use this medicine cautiously as well.
• Do not use this drug if you have severe hepatic impairment, glaucoma, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and myasthenia gravis.
• People who have been diagnosed with bronchospastic conditions or bronchial asthma should not use this medication as it can block receptors that aid in opening the airways.
• Carvedilol is not approved for use in children and people below the age of 18.
• Patients who become pregnant while taking this drug should consult their doctor to ascertain if usage of this medication will potentially harm the fetus. Patients who also intend to get pregnant should also consult their physician.
• Although, there are no studies with Coreg Generic available in nursing mothers, usage of this during breastfeeding is not recommended due to the risk of a slow heart rate in the infant.

Coreg Carvedilol is often prescribed with other medications. Until you know how this drug affects you, do not drive or perform any activity that may require alertness or concentration.

Also, notify your doctor immediately if you notice any skin reaction or rash. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. More importantly, do not share your medicine with others especially those who have a history of drug abuse. Seek emergency help if you overdose on this drug.

Instructions on Taking

• It is important that you follow the instruction on the prescription label. Do not attempt to stop, increase, or reduce your dosage without informing your doctor as sudden changes in dose can cause severe complications such as arrhythmias. More importantly, do not self-medicate.
• Carvedilol tablets are to be taken twice daily while extended release capsules are to be taken once daily.
• Do not crush or chew this medication.
• Coreg Generic should be taken with food in order to reduce the risk of low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension and postural hypotension. Taking Carvedilol with food also slows its absorption.
• Carvedilol should not be taken with alcohol as it may interfere the way the medication is processed in the body.
• This medicine is meant to be administered orally.
• To aid swallowing, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into applesauce or pudding (a spoonful).
• Take this medication at the same time daily to get maximum benefit from it.
• Do not take twice the prescription in order to make up for a missed dose.
• Inform your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve.
• Do not stop taking Coreg Generic even if you feel well. Most people who suffer from high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Dosage

Coreg Carvedilol is available in tablets as well as in extended-release capsules.

For patients with high blood pressure, the recommended daily dosage range is 6.25mg twice daily to a maximum of 25mg twice daily.

The dosage range for patients with congestive heart failure is 3.25mg twice daily to a maximum of 25mg twice daily, however, a maximum daily dose of 50mg have been used in person's weighing above 85kg.

The recommended dosage range for patients treating heart blood pressure or heart failure is 10-80mg (extended-release capsules) once daily.

It is important to note that dosage and administration should be based on the medical condition being treated and patient's response to treatment.

Side effects

Some common side effects generally associated with the use of Coreg Carvedilol include:

• Weight gain;
• Fatigue;
• Slowed heart rate;
• Low blood pressure;
• Erectile dysfunction;
• Diarrhea;
• Weakness;
• Edema (fluid accumulation);
• Visual abnormalities ;
• Postural hypotension (a rapid reduction in blood pressure when going from the sitting position to a standing position which may cause light-headedness);
• Irregular heart rhythm;
• Blood disorders;
• Kidney problems;
• High blood sugar;
• Nausea;
• Sexual side effects;
• Liver enzyme elevation;
• Cough;
• Fluid in lungs;
• Arthritis;
• Headache;
• Anxiety;
• Dizziness.

The adverse effects may also occur therefore if you notice any of the following reactions, do not hesitate to inform your doctor:

• Sore throat;
• Chest pain;
• Wheezing;
• Loss of bladder control;
• Trouble concentrating;
• Uneven or low heart beats;
• Chest tightness;
• Swelling;
• Trouble breathing;
• Rapid weight gain;
• Burning eyes;
• Blisters, peeling or rash;
• Increased thirst;
• Severe skin reactions.

Interactions with other drugs

A total of 1007 drugs (7190 generic and brand names) are known to interact with Coreg Carvedilol. They include Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), Phenelzine (Nardil), Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), Rasagiline (Azilect), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Roster).

Other drugs which should not be taken with Carvedilol include Paroxetine (Paxil), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Propafenone (Rythmol), and Quinidine (Quinaglute).

This is not a complete list of drugs that should not be taken with Coreg Generic. Consult your doctor to get a comprehensive list of drugs that may interact with this medication.