Coreg (Carvedilol)

Description

Coreg (Carvedilol) is a medicine used mainly to help with heart problems and high blood pressure. It works by blocking certain natural chemicals in the body, like adrenaline, which reduces how hard the heart has to work. This helps the heart beat more steadily and lowers both the heart rate and blood pressure. Doctors often recommend Carvedilol for people with high blood pressure or heart failure, as it can make it easier for the heart to work properly.

Directions

When taking Coreg, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. People usually start with a small dose, which can be slowly increased to an effective dose. It’s best to take Coreg with food to help reduce the chances of feeling dizzy or lightheaded. Make sure to take your doses at the same time each day. Stopping Coreg suddenly can make your condition worse. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes in how you take Coreg.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Coreg is Carvedilol.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using Coreg if any of the following apply:

• Bronchial asthma or similar breathing problems
• Heart block
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Severely slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Heart failure or shock
• Severe liver problems
• Serious allergic reactions to Coreg or any ingredients in the medication

Cautions

• Before starting treatment with Coreg, be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you have:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• If you need to stop Coreg, do so gradually over 1-2 weeks under your doctor's supervision. Abruptly stopping can worsen chest pain or cause heart-related issues like heart attacks or irregular heartbeats.
• Coreg may lower your heart rate. Let your doctor know if your pulse drops below 55 beats per minute.
• Coreg can cause dizziness or fainting, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Take it with food and start with a low dose to minimize the risk. Avoid driving or hazardous activities if you feel lightheaded.
• Coreg may worsen symptoms of heart failure during the first few weeks. Your doctor may adjust your diuretics or pause the treatment until stability returns.
• If you have conditions like bronchitis or emphysema, Coreg should be used cautiously. Report any difficulty breathing or wheezing to your doctor.
• Coreg can mask low blood sugar symptoms like a rapid heartbeat and may worsen blood sugar control in diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely, especially when starting or adjusting the dose.
• If you have poor circulation, Coreg might worsen symptoms like leg pain or cramping. Notify your doctor if symptoms increase.
• Coreg may affect kidney function, especially if you already have low blood pressure or kidney disease. Your doctor may monitor your kidney health during treatment.
• If you're having major surgery, let your doctor know you're taking Coreg. The medication may affect your heart's response during anesthesia.
• Coreg can mask signs of an overactive thyroid, such as a fast heartbeat. Do not stop the medication abruptly, as this could worsen thyroid symptoms.
• Coreg may increase your sensitivity to allergens and reduce the effectiveness of epinephrine used to treat severe allergic reactions.
• Inform your eye surgeon if you take Coreg, as it may cause complications during cataract surgery (Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome).
• Coreg may cause chest pain in certain rare types of angina. Discuss with your doctor if you have this condition.

Side Effects

In clinical trials, the most common side effects of Coreg included dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, and bradycardia (slow heart rate). Swelling in the legs (peripheral edema) and weight gain were also reported. For patients with heart failure, dizziness and fatigue occurred more frequently compared to those on placebo. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea were also noted.

Serious side effects such as low blood pressure, fainting, and changes in liver enzyme levels have occurred, sometimes requiring discontinuation. Rare post-marketing reports include severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been observed. If any severe or unusual symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

References

1. Coreg (Carvedilol) Product Monograph. Wixom, MI: Woodward Pharma Services LLC; 2023.
2. Coreg (Carvedilol) Drug Label Information. Wixom, MI: Waylis Therapeutics LLC; 2023.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....